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Eurygaster maura
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 larger and more common E. testudinaria by the shape of the head, which lacks a slight central depression at the front and is smoothly rounded. The hind corners ('shoulders') of the pronotum are also slightly less protruding. These characters are not always reliable; genitalic examination may be necessary. Females do not show a gap between the genital plate and the previous segment (often visible in the field with a hand lens), while the male aedaegus has 2 internal spines (requires dissection).

 Nymphs feed mainly on grasses between May-August, becoming adult from July. A scarce species confined to southern England; confirmed records from Essex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.

 Adult: All year
Length 8.5-10 mm

see illustrated life stages chart		 Eurygaster maura
Adult: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Eurygaster maura Eurygaster maura
Adult detail: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Eurygaster maura Eurygaster maura
Adult: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Eurygaster maura Eurygaster maura
Adult: Kent (August 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Nymph: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Eurygaster maura female Eurygaster maura male
Underside of female abdomen showing genital plates ©Tristan Bantock

 Male genital capsule showing aedaegus with 2 spines ©Tristan Bantock