Brownspotted Shield Bug Sphaerocoris testudogrisea

Photo of Brownspotted Shield Bug (Sphaerocoris testudogrisea)

(c) Henry de Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderTrue Bugs, Hoppers, Aphids, and allies (Hemiptera)
FamilyJewel Bugs (Scutelleridae)
GenusSphaerocoris (Sphaerocoris)

Named for its turtle-like rounded shield back, this African shield bug's brown spotting provides excellent camouflage against bark and vegetation. Members of the Scutelleridae family have that characteristic heavily armored appearance that gives shield bugs their reputation as nature's tanks. This African species is a perfect example of how form follows function in the insect world.

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