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Picromerus bidens
Family: Pentatomidae

 A large and distinctive predatory shieldbug, which has unmistakeable thorn-like projections on the front of the pronotum. This species usually overwinters as eggs and less frequently as larvae, becoming adult by July/August. The nymphs are greyish-black, with pale banded legs and yellow banded antennae. Like the adults, they are predatory, feeding on the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars, but will also suck sap from plants.

Widespread across Britain and Ireland, but scarcer further north and recently recorded from Scotland. Often found in flower-rich woodland edge habitats and also frequent on heathland. 

Compare Troilus luridus, Pentatoma rufipes

 Adult: July-November
Length 12-13.5 mm


see illustrated life stages chart		 Picromerus bidens
Adult: Berks (August 2007) ©Darren Bradley
Picromerus bidens Picromerus bidens
Adult: Surrey (September 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: Lincs (October 2007) ©Rachel Scopes
Picromerus bidens possible Picromerus bidens nymph
Adult: Surrey (August 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Early instar nymph: ©northeastwildlife
possible Picromerus bidens nymph possible Picromerus bidens nymph
Early instar nymph: ©northeastwildlife

 Mid instar nymph: south Wales (June 2009) ©Barry Stewart
Picromerus bidens nymph Picromerus bidens nymph
Final instar nymph: Lincs (July 2007) ©Adrian Royle

 Final instar nymph: Surrey (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock