Red-legged Shieldbug or Forest Bug

The Red-legged Shieldbug or Forest Bug is a large bronze-brown shieldbug with square-cut shoulders and black-and-cream-chequered flanks and its orangey-red legs and antennae, which are about the same length as the body. The pale spot at the tip of the scutellum varies from orange to cream.

They are found in wooded areas and orchards. Adults are present from July to November and the female lays her eggs in August, on a leaf top or in the cracks of tree bark. It overwinters as young nymphs.

The Red-legged Shieldbug is a sap-feeder and uses piercing mouthparts to withdraw the liquid. They feed mainly on several species of oak, but also on alder, hazel and other deciduous trees, including apple and cherry. Adults are partly predatory, feeding on caterpillars and other insects as well as fruits.

Common and widespread throughout Britain.