Best time to see: May to mid Nov
Key facts
Shield bugs are similar to beetles, but instead of biting jaws they have straw-like mouths to suck sap out of plants
Different species occupy different habitats and feed off different plants
The green shield bug pictured here is very common and often found in gardens
Recognition
Wing cases normally cover their membranous flight wings; 10–15 mm
Squeeze out an almond-smelling liquid when disturbed – it smells like the cyanide compounds that deter predators
Lifecycle
Eggs are laid on suitable plants and usually hatch out and develop the same year
They spend the summer on plants, stabbing the stems with their beak-like mouth to suck the sap
Adults over-winter in leaf litter, in grass tussocks or under bark
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© Tony Gunton