ExploreInsects

European Striped Shield Bug

Graphosoma italicum

The European Striped Shield Bug is a colorful insect with bright red and black stripes. They are often seen in gardens and fields, where they love to munch on plants.

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The European Striped Shield Bug has a distinctive oval, shield-shaped body, typically bright red or orange with bold black stripes. Its striking pattern serves as a warning, making it easily distinguishable from other green or brown shield bug species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyPentatomidaeGenusGraphosoma
European Striped Shield Bug
striped trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badge
European Striped Shield Bug

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Baby shield bugs, called nymphs, shed their skin several times as they grow bigger!

Sometimes, many European Striped Shield Bugs gather together on just one favorite plant!

Their bright colors are a warning sign to predators, telling them to stay away!

They love to sunbathe! You can often spot them warming up on leaves in sunny spots.

Special abilities

Ability

Stink Shield

European Striped Shield Bug can release a stinky liquid when threatened, which helps them deter predators like birds and spiders.

Ability

Plant Piercer

European Striped Shield Bug has a needle-like mouthpart that helps them sip nourishing juices directly from plants.

Ability

Winter Snoozer

European Striped Shield Bug can survive cold winters by finding sheltered spots and entering a deep, long sleep.

Measurements & details

Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
180-300 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This bug is a plant-eater, using its straw-like mouth to drink juices from many types of plants.

Primary Foods

  • wild carrot
  • fennel
  • hogweed
  • angelica

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

Feeds on sap and seeds, sometimes causing minor damage.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds may prey on the bugs, despite their warning coloration.

eaten by

Garden Orb-Weaver

Araneus diadematus

Can become trapped in webs and eaten by spiders.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These bugs are not dangerous, but it's best to look at them without touching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is European Striped Shield Bug?

8-12 mm

How long does European Striped Shield Bug live?

180-300 days

What does European Striped Shield Bug eat?

This bug is a plant-eater, using its straw-like mouth to drink juices from many types of plants.

Where is European Striped Shield Bug usually found?

Gardens and fields

How does European Striped Shield Bug hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does European Striped Shield Bug have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects