Common Green Shieldbug

The Common Green Shieldbug is a large shieldbug, around 12-13.5 mm, with a dark wing membrane and reddish antennae on the 4th and 5th segments. Adult Common Green Shieldbugs are bright green in spring and summer and covered in tiny black marks. Just before they hibernate for winter, they become a darker bronze-brown colour.

There is one generation per year. The adult Common Green Shieldbugs breed in the spring and the offspring go through five changes before becoming an adult. The nymphs feed on many deciduous trees and shrubs and can be seen from June to October. Nymphs born in the later months are often darker than those found earlier in the season. They may be found in many habitats, including parks and gardens.

The Common Green Shieldbug is common and widespread throughout Britain, though becoming scarcer further north and does not occur in Scotland.