Birch Shieldbug
Elasmostethus interstinctus
This record describes Elasmostethus interstinctus (species). Recorded family: Acanthosomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8-11.5 mm. A distinctive species, although similar to the Hawthorn Shieldbug (see below). Confusion with the larger and more elongate Hawthorn Shieldbug ( A. haemorrhoidale ) is possible. The lateral extensions of the pronotum are smaller in E. interstinctus , and are not marked with red, while the scutellum of A. haemorrhoidale is green and the abdomen frequently red-tipped. In mixed Birch woodlands, or on isolated Birch trees. This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae feed principally on Birch, but may also be found on Hazel and Aspen; the new generation is complete by August. Common and widespread across Britain and Ireland.
Wikipedia reference for Elasmostethus interstinctus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elasmostethus_interstinctus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Acanthosomatidae (Shield Bugs)
- Genus
- Elasmostethus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In mixed Birch woodlands, or on isolated Birch trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae feed principally on Birch, but may also be found on Hazel and Aspen; the new generation is complete by August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread across Britain and Ireland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Elasmostethus interstinctus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Birch Shieldbug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Shieldbug
What is Birch Shieldbug?
Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) is a species in the family Acanthosomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Birch Shieldbug?
8-11.5 mm. A distinctive species, although similar to the Hawthorn Shieldbug (see below).
Where is Birch Shieldbug found?
Habitat: In mixed Birch woodlands, or on isolated Birch trees.
When is Birch Shieldbug active?
Birch Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..
What is the life cycle of a Birch Shieldbug?
This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae feed principally on Birch, but may also be found on Hazel and Aspen; the new generation is complete by August.