Bronze Shieldbug
Troilus luridus
This record describes Troilus luridus (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 10-12 mm. A large predatory shieldbug which has an orange band on the penultimate antennal segment. The legs are brown and the scutellum lacks an orange tip, further distinguishing this species from the Forest Bug. In addition, the frontal projections of the pronotum are more rounded.There are two colour forms of the final instar nymph - red and cream. This woodland species is associated with both deciduous and coniferous trees. There is one generation per year; the nymphs feed on plants as well as the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars. Early instars may appear similar to those of the Blue Bug. New adults may be found from July onwards. Occurs widely across Britain and Ireland but is not common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Pentatomidae
- Genus
- Troilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This woodland species is associated with both deciduous and coniferous trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is one generation per year; the nymphs feed on plants as well as the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars. Early instars may appear similar to those of the Blue Bug. New adults may be found from July onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurs widely across Britain and Ireland but is not common.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Troilus luridus. 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 Bronze Shieldbug (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronze Shieldbug
What is Bronze Shieldbug?
Bronze Shieldbug (Troilus luridus) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Bronze Shieldbug?
10-12 mm. A large predatory shieldbug which has an orange band on the penultimate antennal segment. The legs are brown and the scutellum lacks an orange tip, further distinguishing this species from the Forest Bug. In addition, the frontal projections of the pronotum are more rounded.There are two colour forms of the final instar nymph - red and cream.
Where is Bronze Shieldbug found?
Habitat: This woodland species is associated with both deciduous and coniferous trees.
When is Bronze Shieldbug active?
Bronze Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..
What is the life cycle of a Bronze Shieldbug?
There is one generation per year; the nymphs feed on plants as well as the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars. Early instars may appear similar to those of the Blue Bug. New adults may be found from July onwards.