Shield bugs
Scientific name: Acanthosomatidae
Shield bugs
Scientific name: Acanthosomatidae
Description
Acanthosomatidae have a unique ability: they produce a chemical substance which is malodorous. This odorous defense mechanism effectively repels predators, which is vital for their survival. Contrary to the common myth that shield bugs are harmful to all plants, they actually play specific roles in the ecosystem, including some species that are critical for controlling the population of other insects.