Green Shield Bug
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
5
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
Ability
Stink Alarm
Green Shield Bug can release a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed because of glands that help them deter predators.
Ability
Color Cloak
Green Shield Bug has a body that changes from green to brown because it helps them camouflage perfectly with seasonal plants.
Ability
Sap Sucker
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Common Green Shield Bug
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Shield Bug's wingspan?
25-30 mm
How big is Green Shield Bug?
12-14 mm
How long does Green Shield Bug live?
60-90 days
How fast can Green Shield Bug fly?
8 km/h
What does Green Shield Bug eat?
These bugs sip the juices from various plants using their straw-like mouths!
Where is Green Shield Bug usually found?
Gardens, fields, and woodlands
How does Green Shield Bug hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Green Shield Bug have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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