Species: Red-legged Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes)
Family: Shield bugs (PENTATOMIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: NW
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Shield bugs (PENTATOMIDAE)
Most members of this family are plant feeders, and the cemetery is therefore very good habitat for them. The family name comes from the appearance of a five-sided body.
C. Red-legged Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes)
These shield bugs are between 11 and 14mm in length. Their large brown bodies and bright orange legs make identification easy (even if they land on a red jumper). The paler-coloured spot on the tip of the scutellum varies from orange to red to cream.
This species feeds mainly on Oak, Hazel and Alder. Adults can feed on caterpillars as well as fruit. Eggs appear to be laid in August.
Images
Red-legged Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes)
These shield bugs are between 11 and 14mm in length. Their large brown bodies and bright orange legs make identification easy (even if they land on a red jumper).
(Photo credit: Ang White.)
