Description

Over all length 9 to 11mm. Very variable in both base colour, which can be reddish to dull green/brown, and markings which can be strong or almost absent. Very similar to the much rarer Scarce Tortoise Shieldbug, which does not have the shallow central groove in the head.

Habitat

Grasslands, where they feed on the grasses and grass seeds.

Status and distribution

Fairly common but local in southern Britain and expanding northwards. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to October.