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Thyreocoris scarabaeoides Scarab Shieldbug
Family: Thyreocoridae

 A small metallic black or bronzy shieldbug with a very large scutellum which covers most of the abdomen (compare Coptosoma scutellatum).

Associated with violets growing on dry sandy or chalky soils in sunny situations (including coastal dunes), where it can be found in moss or litter. Locally distributed across much of southern Britain.

Adult: All year
Length 3.0-4.0 mm

see illustrated life stages chart
 		Thyreocoris scarabaeoides
Adult: Surrey (April 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Thyreocoris scarabaeoides Thyreocoris scarabaeoides
Adult: Surrey (April 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult: Oxon (May 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Thyreocoris scarabaeoides Thyreocoris scarabaeoides
Adult: Surrey (August 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
 		Adult: Surrey (April 2009) ©Ashley Wood
Thyreocoris scarabaeoides nymph Thyreocoris scarabaeoides nymph
Mid instar nymph: Sussex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

 		Late instar nymph: Sussex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock