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Shield Bug Expert Debunks Myths, Highlights Insect Diversity
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Culture & Society

Shield Bug Expert Debunks Myths, Highlights Insect Diversity

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Insect expert Berend Aukema aims to dispel common misconceptions about shield bugs, which are often unfairly maligned in media portrayals.
  • Aukema highlights the diversity of shield bugs in the Netherlands, noting that the often-feared bed bug is not common, and the birch shield bug's odor was exaggerated.
  • He emphasizes that most shield bugs are harmless to humans, with only a few species feeding on blood from specific hosts like swallows or bats.

Shield bugs, often unfairly stereotyped as smelly, dangerous, and blood-sucking pests, are the subject of a new field guide by expert Berend Aukema. Aukema, who has dedicated his career to studying these insects, seeks to correct widespread misunderstandings about them.

While they do have defensive compounds from their scent glands... I wouldn't generally call it stinking. Besides, they shouldn't smell too pleasant, because they need to keep their enemies at bay.

— Berend AukemaDiscussing the defensive odors produced by shield bugs.

"They stink, they are dangerous, and they suck blood. That is the prevailing opinion," Aukema notes, referring to the common perception. He clarifies that while some shield bugs possess defensive glands that produce odors, calling it "stinking" is an oversimplification. These scents are primarily for deterring predators, not for general unpleasantness. He also points out that the notorious bed bug, often cited in media, is not widespread in the Netherlands, with his own consultations limited to rare instances in student housing.

But humans have nothing to fear.

— Berend AukemaReassuring the public about the danger posed by shield bugs.

The perception of danger is also largely unfounded for humans. While predatory shield bugs, or assassin bugs, are formidable hunters of smaller insects, they pose no threat to people. The blood-sucking habit is confined to a small minority of species, such as the swallow bed bug or bat bug, which feed on specific animal hosts. Aukema laments the eradication of the pigeon bed bug by pigeon fanciers, seeing each species as unique and valuable.

They stink, they are dangerous, and they suck blood. That is the prevailing opinion.

— Berend AukemaDescribing the common, negative perception of shield bugs.

Aukema's passion for shield bugs is evident in the recently published "Veldgids Wantsen" (Field Guide to Shield Bugs), co-authored with photographer Theodoor Heijerman. The comprehensive 640-page guide showcases the intricate beauty and diversity of these insects, from the delicate, lace-like patterns on the wings of some species to the camouflage adaptations of others. Aukema hopes the guide will foster a greater appreciation for the often-overlooked world of shield bugs.

It's like Brussels lace.

— Berend AukemaDescribing the finely veined wings of a particular shield bug species.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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