The insect commonly described as looking like a shield is the stink bug.
Why are Stink Bugs Called "Shield-Shaped"?
Stink bugs earn this description from their distinctive body shape. As noted in the provided reference, they are characterized as both "large, oval-shaped insects" and "shield-shaped insects."
Their appearance resembles a shield because:
- They have a broad body that is nearly as wide as they are long.
- The body shape is often somewhat flattened and tapers towards the rear, similar to the outline of a small shield.
- Their legs extend from the sides, contributing to their overall broad and shield-like appearance.
Key Characteristics of Shield-Shaped Insects (Stink Bugs)
Based on the description, here are some key features:
- Shape: Oval and distinctly shield-shaped.
- Size: Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length.
- Proportions: They are nearly as wide as they are long, giving them a broad, flattened look.
- Appendages: Their legs extend outward from the sides, which makes them appear even larger.
An Example: The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
A common example of a shield-shaped insect is the brown marmorated stink bug. The reference specifically mentions this as a type of brownish stink bug.
While the original question specifically asked about a beetle that looks like a shield, the provided reference describes stink bugs as shield-shaped insects. Stink bugs belong to a different order of insects (Hemiptera - true bugs) than beetles (Coleoptera). Therefore, based only on the provided information, the shield-shaped insect described is a stink bug, not a beetle.
