Red-legged Shieldbug (Forest Bug)

Pentatoma rufipes

Description

Over all length 12 - 14mm. A brown shieldbug with red or brown legs and squared projections on the front of the pronotum. The spot at the tip of the scutellum may be red or cream.

Habitat

A woodland species, the nymphs feeding on a variety of deciduous trees. The adults also feed on sap but can also be predatory on caterpillars and other insects.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

July to November.

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - September 11th 2015

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - September 11th 2015

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - August 27th 2015

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - August 30th 2011

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - June 26th 2017

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - July 28th 2024

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - June 26th 2017

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - Mid-instar nymph - April 10th 2019

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - Final-instar nymph - May 14th 2022

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - late-instar nymph - June 16th 2023

  • Red-legged Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes - Final-instar nymph - June 23rd 2023