Brassica Shieldbug
Eurydema oleracea
This record describes Eurydema oleracea (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 7 mm. Dramatically coloured, the dark metallic green/blue-black ground colour is overlain with red, yellow, creamy white or orange markings. Larvae may be found May-July on a range of Brassicas including Garlic Mustard and Horse-radish. This bug overwinters as an adult, emerging in the spring. Infrequent but well distributed in southern and central England.
Wikipedia reference for Eurydema oleracea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurydema_oleracea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Pentatomidae
- Genus
- Eurydema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae may be found May-July on a range of Brassicas including Garlic Mustard and Horse-radish.
Seasonal Activity
This bug overwinters as an adult, emerging in the spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Infrequent but well distributed in southern and central England.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Eurydema oleracea. 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 Brassica Shieldbug (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brassica Shieldbug
What is Brassica Shieldbug?
Brassica Shieldbug (Eurydema oleracea) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Brassica Shieldbug?
6 to 7 mm. Dramatically coloured, the dark metallic green/blue-black ground colour is overlain with red, yellow, creamy white or orange markings.
Where is Brassica Shieldbug found?
Habitat: Larvae may be found May-July on a range of Brassicas including Garlic Mustard and Horse-radish.
When is Brassica Shieldbug active?
Brassica Shieldbug: seasonal activity - This bug overwinters as an adult, emerging in the spring..