Heteroptera, Pentatomidae

Order (Heteroptera), family Pentatomidae

Shield Bugs, so called from the general shape of the adults.

Cambridge 2 Sep 2001
Sub-Family Pentatominae
The food-plant is Hedge Woundwart Stachys sylvatica, particularly the seeds; other Labiates may be used when these are out of season
Length: 6mm

Cambridge 22 Apr 2001
Sub-Family Pentatominae
Feeds on plant material, especially deciduous trees and shrubs; hazel is a common host.
Length: 13mm


Cambridge (l) 5 Sep 2002, (c) 10 Sep 2002, (r) 5 May 2001. Sub-Family Pentatominae. The nymphs feed not just on gorse but other Legumes, seen here on Laburnum, and in the autumn are seed-pod coloured. Newly-emerged adults in autumn are green and purple (centre), after hibernation they are green (r) - only then do they mate.

Sub-Family Pentatominae
Young nymphs 17 Jun 2007 (Enlarge). Mid stage nymph 1 Sep 2007 (Enlarge). Final stage nymph 10 Sep 2007 (Enlarge). The final stage is quite variable, photos from other locations ofter show it mainly green with the connexivum pink.
Thought to be originally from Ethiopia, N. viridula is now cosmopolitan in tropical regions and well known in southern Europe. Although it is often introduced to Britain on plant material, Southwood & Leston (1959) opined that it was "unlikely" to be established here - but breeding colonies have been reported in London since 2004. These photos give evidence of at least one generation produced in Cambridge. It remains to be seen whether it can survive our modern so-called winters.
A wide variety of host plants are used. These were on or near a willow (Salix caprea 'Pendula').
Adults are like a slender Palomena prasina but green overall - there are also golden orange morphs.

Cambridge TL464614, 12 Sep 2002
Sub-Family Amyoteinae
A predaceous species (except for young larvae), mainly on larvae of Lepidoptera and Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles).
Has found some use as a biological control agent, eg against European pine moth.

Cambridge TL465613, 5 Sep 2002
Sub-Family Amyoteinae
A predaceous species, mainly on larvae of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera.
Nymph shown: adults are not nearly as colourful, rather like a brown P. prasina.