Bordered Shieldbug
Legnotus limbosus
This record describes Legnotus limbosus (species). Recorded family: Cydnidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3.5-4.5 mm. Front margin of head strongly notched ; outer margin of fore-wing pale over the whole or most of the length of the corium (c.f. Legnotus picipes ). Associated with bedstraws ( Galium sp) growing on dry friable soils in sunny situations, frequently burrowing into loose soil at the base of the foodplant. Widespread in southern Britain, but unobtrusive, becoming scarcer further north and absent from Scotland and Ireland.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with bedstraws (
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in southern Britain, but unobtrusive, becoming scarcer further north and absent from Scotland and Ireland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Legnotus limbosus. 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 Bordered Shieldbug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bordered Shieldbug
What is Bordered Shieldbug?
Bordered Shieldbug (Legnotus limbosus) is a species in the family Cydnidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Bordered Shieldbug?
3.5-4.5 mm.
Where is Bordered Shieldbug found?
Habitat: Associated with bedstraws (
When is Bordered Shieldbug active?
Bordered Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..