Green Shieldbug

Palomena prasina

Summer adult

Winter adult

The Green Shieldbug is exactly as its name describes, although it does darken to a deep bronze in the autumn before going into hibernation. It is quite a large shield-shaped bug, which is also called a ‘Stink Bug’ for it secretes a foul-smelling odour when felt threatened. Similar to the Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus) which is much slender with reddish wings. It can grow up to 14mm in length.

It mainly feeds on deciduous trees and shrubs, and tall herbs, but will consume a wide variety of plant material. It can cause damage to field crops, especially when found in large numbers, particularly vegetable crops, beans suffering the most problems, but not generally considered a pest.

The eggs are laid in small clusters on the underside of leaves. It overwinters as an adult.

Seen all year round, and it occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including woods, arable land, and gardens. Native to Britain, a common and widespread species.

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June 2016 (top image) and March 2017 (bottom image), rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2016 and 2017.