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Edge-striped Shield Bug

Elasmucha lateralis

The Edge-striped Shield Bug is a small insect with a unique shape and colorful stripes. They are often found on plants, where they blend in well and help keep gardens healthy.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Edge-striped Shield Bug is a small, oval-shaped insect typically reddish-brown with a distinct pale, yellowish stripe running along the outer edges of its thorax. Its body has a characteristic shield-like shape, making it blend well with tree bark. This stripe helps differentiate it from similar forest shield bugs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyAcanthosomatidaeGenusElasmucha
Edge-striped Shield Bug
striped trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badge
Edge-striped Shield Bug

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Edge-striped Shield Bugs love to sip sap from birch and alder trees!

It can blend perfectly with tree bark, making it super hard to spot!

Its tiny babies, called nymphs, are often brightly colored and gather together!

This bug is one of the few insects where the mother cares for her young!

Special abilities

Ability

Stink Spray Defense

The Edge-striped Shield Bug can release a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators, because it helps them escape danger.

Ability

Maternal Shield

This bug has a rare insect ability: the mother guards her eggs and young, which helps improve their survival rates.

Ability

Sap Siphon

Edge-striped Shield Bugs have a straw-like mouthpart that helps them precisely drink plant sap for nourishment.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
10-16 mm
Size
5-8 mm
Lifespan
200-365 days
Flight Speed
2 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This bug sips plant juice from trees to grow big and strong!

Primary Foods

  • Birch sap
  • Alder sap
  • Hazel sap
  • Oak sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Silver Birch

Betula pendula

Feeds on sap from its leaves and twigs.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Small birds often feast on these bugs.

parasitizes

Egg Parasitoid Wasp

Telenomus nitidulus

Tiny wasps lay eggs inside shield bug eggs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These bugs are safe to observe but don't touch them too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edge-striped Shield Bug's wingspan?

10-16 mm

How big is Edge-striped Shield Bug?

5-8 mm

How long does Edge-striped Shield Bug live?

200-365 days

How fast can Edge-striped Shield Bug fly?

2 km/h

What does Edge-striped Shield Bug eat?

This bug sips plant juice from trees to grow big and strong!

Where is Edge-striped Shield Bug usually found?

Urban areas

How does Edge-striped Shield Bug hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Edge-striped Shield Bug have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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