Gorse Shieldbug | Hainault Forest

Gorse Shieldbug

Piezodorus lituratus

TQ4793 10/04/2018 ©Raymond Small

Adults (10-13 mm) that emerge and mate during spring are mainly green, while the new generation appearing late summer have purplish-red markings. Mainly found where European gorse is present.

TQ4793 21/11/2018 ©Raymond Small

Gorse Shieldbugs usually become darker before hibernation.

TQ4793 05/05/2025 ©Raymond Small

Seventeen barrel-shaped Gorse Shieldbug eggs. The line of eggs was roughly 8mm long.

TQ4793 23/05/2025 ©Raymond Small

Orange instars emerge from the eggs. They will go through several stages before becoming adults. Foodplants they use include gorse, broom, and Dyer's greenweed.

This is a final instar nymph. The new generation of adults appear late summer.

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