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| Eurygaster testudinaria Family: Scutelleridae Fairly large shieldbugs, the two Eurygaster species are often known as Tortoise Bugs. The ground colour and intensity of the markings are variable. This species is distinguished from the slightly smaller and much rarer E. maura by the slight central depression at the front of the head (below). In addition, the 2nd antennal segment is only slightly longer than the 3rd (but at least twice the length in E. maura). Note that these characters are not reliable for all specimens; genitalic examination is the only means of confirming identity in such cases. This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. Larvae feed on rushes and sedges between May-August, becoming adult from July. Previously uncommon, this bug is now widespread in southern Britain and Ireland in both dry and damp grasslands and is expanding its range northwards. Adult: All year Length 9-11 mm |
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| Adult: Dorset (September 2007) ©David Longshaw |
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| Adult detail: Berks (May 2008) ©Darren Bradley |
Adult detail: Glamorgan (June 2009) ©Barry Stewart |
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| Adult: Berks (May 2008) ©Darren Bradley |
Adult: north London (May 2007) ©Tristan Bantock |
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| Adult: Surrey (August 2007) ©Stuart Read |
Adult: Surrey (August 2007) ©Stuart Read |
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| Mid instar nymph: Surrey (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock |
Final instar nymph: south London (August 2007) ©Joe Botting |
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| Final instar nymph: Berks (August 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson |
Final instar nymph: north London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock |