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Eysarcoris venustissimus
Family: Pentatomidae

Often referred to as the Woundwort shieldbug, and previously known as Eysarcoris fabricii, this is a small greenish-grey species. The head and the front of both the pronotum and scutellum are copper coloured, while the connexivum is marked with black and white.

 There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on hedge woundwort and white dead-nettle (Labiatae); new adults may be found from August onwards. Nymphs may be confused with early instars of the Pied Shieldbug Tritomegas bicolor.
 
Although rare in the 19th century, this shieldbug is now widespread in southern Britain in hedgerows and woodland habitats.

Adult: All year
Length 5-7 mm

see illustrated life stages chart
 Eysarcoris fabricii

Adults: Herts (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Eysarcoris fabricii Eysarcoris fabricii
Adult: Lincs (July 2007) ©Les Binns

 Adults: Berks (May 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Eysarcoris fabricii eggs Eysarcoris fabricii nymph
Eggs: Surrey (June 2009) ©Ashley Wood

 Early instar nymph: Surrey (July 2008) ©Ashley Wood
Eysarcoris fabricii nymph Eysarcoris fabricii nymph
Early instar nymph: Berks (September 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson

 Mid instar nymph: Surrey (July 2008) ©Ashley Wood
Eysarcoris fabricii nymph Eysarcoris fabricii nymph
Final instar nymphs: Berks (September 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson

 Final instar nymph: Surrey (August 2007) ©Ashley Wood