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Oncacontias vittatus, also known as forest shield bug, is a species of shield bug only found in New Zealand. The adult is rather distinctive and conspicuous in colouration and is commonly encountered. It is herbivorous, with the adults being recorded feeding on Coriaria arborea and likely other plant species. However, the juveniles appear to have a more restricted diet, preferring to feed on grasses. O. vittatus was first described in taxonomic literature in 1781 by Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius. It is widespread throughout New Zealand and is found in a wide range of habitats, but is commonly associated with forest.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Forest shield bug being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Acanthosomatidae
- Genus
- Oncacontias
- Species
- Oncacontias vittatus
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