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Podops inuncta Turtle Shieldbug
Family: Pentatomidae

 A fairly small shieldbug with two unmistakeable features; a long tongue-like scutellum which reaches the rear of the abdomen and two small projections on the pronotum at each side of the head.

There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on a range of grasses.

 Although widespread and fairly common across southern and central England in dry and damp habitats, it is strongly ground-dwelling and rarely found unless searched for.

Adult: All year
Length 5.0-6.0 mm

see illustrated life stages chart		 Podops inuncta
Adult: Kent (August 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Podops inuncta Podops inuncta
Adult: Herts (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
 Adult: Kent (August 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Podops inuncta Podops inuncta nymph
Late instar nymph: Kent (August 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Late instar nymph: Kent (July 2006) ©Brian Valentine