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Palomena prasina Common Green Shieldbug Family: Pentatomidae
A large shieldbug with a dark wing membrane and reddish antennae (4th and 5th segments). Adults are bright green in the spring and summer, but finely punctured with dark marks. They become a darker bronze-brown prior to winter hibernation. There is one generation per year; the nymphs feed on many deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly hazel, and can be found from June to October. Later nymphs are often darker than those found earlier in the season. Newly-emerged adults may show a pale wing membrane, leading to possible confusion with Nezara viridula, a recent arrival in southern England. Common and widespread throughout Britain and Ireland, becoming scarcer further north. May be found in many habitats, including parks and gardens. Adult: All year Length 12-13.5 mm
	Spring adult: north London (April 2007) ©Tristan Bantock
Spring adult: west London (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock	Winter adult: Oxon (November 2008) ©Bob Knight
Winter adult: south London (March 2007) ©Joe Botting	Female egg-laying: ©Trevor & Dilys Pendelton (Eakring Wildlife)
Eggs: Surrey (June 2007) ©Ashley Wood	1st instar nymphs: Shropshire (June 2003) ©Nigel Jones
2nd instar nymph: south Wales (June 2006) ©Ian Tew	3rd instar nymph: Lincs (July 2006) ©Jon Law (Improved Image)
3rd instar nymph: Surrey (June 2007) ©Ashley Wood	4th instar nymph: Surrey (August 2007) ©Ashley Wood
4th instar nymph: Surrey (September 2007) ©Ashley Wood	Final instar nymph: south Wales (August 2006) ©Ian Tew
Final instar nymph: Surrey (September 2007) ©Ashley Wood	Newly emerged adult:  south London (September 2007) ©Joe Botting