Pentatomidae is a highly diverse family of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, commonly known as shield bugs or stink bugs, comprising over 4,700 species. This large (around 2 cm) shield bug probably belongs to the genus Edessa. Females of this genus typically lay their eggs in neat, predictable clusters of exactly 14. The newly hatched nymphs stick together in dense groups on their host plant, only scattering as they mature. When threatened, Edessa bugs unleash a highly pungent, foul-tasting aerosol from their thoracic glands; entomologists often describe the scent as a noxious, diesel-like mix of rancid marzipan. I spotted this impressive bug in a nice park in Tena, Ecuador. It was hiding between the leaves, which unfortunately made getting a sharp photo quite a challenge