Gorse Shieldbug
Piezodorus lituratus
This record describes Piezodorus lituratus (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 10-13 mm. A large shieldbug with two adult colour forms which are related to sexual maturity. Those emerging and mating in the spring are predominantly green, whereas the new generation appearing in the late summer have purple-red markings on the pronotum and corium. As in many other shieldbugs, this species frequently becomes darker prior to hibernation. Whilst it could be confused with the Green Shieldbug , the habitat (Gorse) is usually diagnostic, plus the red antennae. Although usually associated with Gorse, larvae also feed on Broom and related plants and the adults can be found on many other trees, shrubs and herbs. Common and widespread throughout Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Piezodorini
- Genus
- Piezodorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
(Gorse) is usually diagnostic, plus the red antennae.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Although usually associated with Gorse, larvae also feed on Broom and related plants and the adults can be found on many other trees, shrubs and herbs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread throughout Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Piezodorus lituratus. 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 Gorse Shieldbug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorse Shieldbug
What is Gorse Shieldbug?
Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Gorse Shieldbug?
10-13 mm. A large shieldbug with two adult colour forms which are related to sexual maturity. Those emerging and mating in the spring are predominantly green, whereas the new generation appearing in the late summer have purple-red markings on the pronotum and corium. As in many other shieldbugs, this species frequently becomes darker prior to hibernation.
Where is Gorse Shieldbug found?
Habitat: (Gorse) is usually diagnostic, plus the red antennae.
When is Gorse Shieldbug active?
Gorse Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..
What is the life cycle of a Gorse Shieldbug?
Although usually associated with Gorse, larvae also feed on Broom and related plants and the adults can be found on many other trees, shrubs and herbs.