Hawthorn Shieldbug
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale
This record describes Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale (species). Recorded family: Acanthosomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 13-15 mm. A distinctive species, although confusion with the smaller and less elongate Birch Shieldbug is possible. The lateral extensions of the pronotum are larger in A. haemorrhoidale , and are marked with red, while the scutellum is green and the abdomen frequently red-tipped. Birch Shieldbug ( Elasmostethus interstinctus ) Overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae occur May-October, feeding mainly on Hawthorn berries, although a range of other deciduous trees are also used, including Oak, Hazel and Birch. The new generation is complete from August/September or even later; adults may become darker before hibernation. Common and widespread across Britain, becoming scarce in Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawthorn_shield_bug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Acanthosomatidae
- Genus
- Acanthosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mixed woodland, hedgerows etc.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae occur May-October, feeding mainly on Hawthorn berries, although a range of other deciduous trees are also used, including Oak, Hazel and Birch. The new generation is complete from August/September or even later; adults may become darker before hibernation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread across Britain, becoming scarce in Scotland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale. 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 Hawthorn Shieldbug (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawthorn Shieldbug
What is Hawthorn Shieldbug?
Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) is a species in the family Acanthosomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Hawthorn Shieldbug?
13-15 mm. A distinctive species, although confusion with the smaller and less elongate Birch Shieldbug is possible. The lateral extensions of the pronotum are larger in
Where is Hawthorn Shieldbug found?
Habitat: Mixed woodland, hedgerows etc.
When is Hawthorn Shieldbug active?
Hawthorn Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year.
What is the life cycle of a Hawthorn Shieldbug?
Overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae occur May-October, feeding mainly on Hawthorn berries, although a range of other deciduous trees are also used, including Oak, Hazel and Birch. The new generation is complete from August/September or even later; adults may become darker before hibernation.