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Pentatoma rufipes Red-legged Shieldbug Family: Pentatomidae
A large brown shieldbug which has orange legs and slightly hooked projections at the front of the pronotum. The pale spot at the tip of the scutellum varies from orange to cream. This species overwinters as young nymphs, which feed mainly on oak. Alder, hazel and other decidous trees are also used, including apple and cherry. Adults are partly predatory, feeding on caterpillars and other insects as well as fruits. New adults may be found from July onwards, surviving until the late autumn, and eggs are laid in August. Adults can sometimes be found in the early spring, suggesting that a secondary breeding cycle may be possible. Widespread and common across Britain in wooded areas, orchards and gardens. Adult: July-November Length 11-14 mm
	Adult: Jersey (July 2007) ©Tim Ransom
Adult: Surrey (September 2007) ©Ashley Wood	Adult: (September 2007) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Eggs: London (September 2010) ©Tristan Bantock	Early instar nymphs: London (September 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Early instar nymph: Kent (September 2009) ©John Jeffery	Mid instar nymph: Lincs (June 2008) ©Ian Beddison
Mid instar nymph: Leics (May 2008) ©Rachel Scopes	Final instar nymph: Berks (June 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Final instar nymph: north London (June 2009) ©Laurence Counter	Teneral adult: (July 2007) ©Peter Birch