Green Shield Bug

Palomena prasina

The Green Shield Bug is a bright green insect that loves to munch on plants. They are friendly and harmless!

Habitat: Gardens, fields, and woodlands

Appearance

The Green Shield Bug is a bright green insect with a distinctive shield-shaped body, which can sometimes turn brownish or purplish in autumn. It has prominent antennae and often a small, darker triangular scutellum on its back, making it easy to recognize.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyPentatomidaeGenusPalomena

Green Shield Bug

Interesting facts

Adults can survive winter by hiding in cracks and staying super still!

Green Shield Bugs can taste with their antennae to find the best food!

Their babies, called nymphs, look like tiny, colourful alien creatures!

They are called 'true bugs' because of their special straw-like mouth!

Special abilities

Green Shield Bug can release a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed because of glands that help them deter predators.

Green Shield Bug has a body that changes from green to brown because it helps them camouflage perfectly with seasonal plants.

Green Shield Bug can drink plant juices because of its specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts that help them feed.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 25-30 mm
Size: 12-14 mm
Lifespan: 60-90 days
Flight Speed: 8 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

These bugs sip the juices from various plants using their straw-like mouths!

Age differences: Nymphs primarily feed on sap from young, tender plant parts, whereas adults also feed on ripening fruits.

Primary Foods

berries
fruit tree sap
nettle leaves
thistle stems

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Great Tits prey on various insects, including shield bugs.

eats

Red Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

The bug feeds on the sap and ripening fruits of raspberry plants.

eats

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Nymphs and adults feed on the sap from stinging nettle leaves.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.