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Troilus luridus
Family: Pentatomidae

 A large predatory shieldbug which has an orange band on the penultimate antennal segment. The legs are brown and the scutellum lacks an orange tip, further distinguishing this species from the Forest Bug Pentotoma rufipes. In addition, the frontal projections of the pronotum are more rounded.

There is one generation per year; the nymphs feed on plants as well as the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars. Early instars may appear similar to those of the Blue Bug Zicrona caerulea. New adults may be found from July onwards.

This woodland species is associated with both deciduous and coniferous trees, and occurs widely across Britain and Ireland.

Compare Pentotoma rufipes, Picromerus bidens
Adult: All year
Length 10-12 mm

see illustrated life stages chart		 Troilus luridus
Adult: Leics (March 2009) ©Rachel Scopes
Troilus luridus Troilus luridus
Adult: north London (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock Adult: south London (September 2007) ©Joe Botting
Troilus luridus eggs Troilus luridus nymphs
Eggs: Surrey (July 2009) ©Ashley Wood

 First instar nymphs:  (July 2007) ©Jon Law (Improved Image)
Troilus luridus nymph Troilus luridus nymph
Early instar nymph: (July 2006) ©Jon Law (Improved Image)

 Mid instar nymph: Berks (July 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Troilus luridus nymph Troilus luridus nymph
Mid instar nymph: Herts (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Final instar nymph: (September 2006) ©Jon Law (Improved Image)
Troilus luridus nymph Troilus luridus nymph
Final instar nymph: Kent (September 2009) ©John Jeffery

 Final instar nymph: Lincs (July 2007) ©Adrian Royle