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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		 Eurygaster testudinaria
Adult: Dorset (September 2007) ©David Longshaw
Eurygaster testudinaria detail of head Eurygaster testudinaria
Adult detail: Berks (May 2008) ©Darren Bradley

 		Adult detail: Glamorgan (June 2009) ©Barry Stewart
Eurygaster testudinaria Eurygaster testudinaria
Adult: Berks (May 2008) ©Darren Bradley

 Adult: north London (May 2007) ©Tristan Bantock
Eurygaster testudinaria Eurygaster testudinaria
Adult: Surrey (August 2007) ©Stuart Read
 Adult: Surrey (August 2007) ©Stuart Read
Eurygaster testudinaria nymph Eurygaster testudinaria nymph
Mid instar nymph: Surrey (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Final instar nymph: south London (August 2007) ©Joe Botting
Eurygaster testudinaria nymph Eurygaster testudinaria nymph
Final instar nymph: Berks (August 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson
 Final instar nymph: north London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock