Juniper Shieldbug
Cyphostethus tristriatus
This record describes Cyphostethus tristriatus (species). Recorded family: Acanthosomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 9-10.5 mm. A fairly large green shieldbug with curved and distinctive pinkish-red markings on the corium. On Juniper and increasingly on Lawson's Cypress. New adults may be found from late August onwards. The species spends the winter as an adult active in all but the coldest months, and mating early in the spring. The traditional foodplant is Juniper, larvae feeding on the berries, but in recent years the bug has begun to use Lawson's Cypress. Previously mainly confined to southern Juniper woodland. This species is now common across southern and central England at least, due to the widespread planting of Juniper and particularly Lawson's Cypress in gardens. It is probably still expanding its range.
Wikipedia reference for Cyphostethus tristriatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juniper_shield_bug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Acanthosomatidae (Shield Bugs)
- Genus
- Cyphostethus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On Juniper and increasingly on Lawson's Cypress.
Seasonal Activity
New adults may be found from late August onwards. The species spends the winter as an adult active in all but the coldest months, and mating early in the spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The traditional foodplant is Juniper, larvae feeding on the berries, but in recent years the bug has begun to use Lawson's Cypress.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Previously mainly confined to southern Juniper woodland. This species is now common across southern and central England at least, due to the widespread planting of Juniper and particularly Lawson's Cypress in gardens. It is probably still expanding its range.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cyphostethus tristriatus. 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 Juniper Shieldbug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Juniper Shieldbug
What is Juniper Shieldbug?
Juniper Shieldbug (Cyphostethus tristriatus) is a species in the family Acanthosomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Juniper Shieldbug?
9-10.5 mm. A fairly large green shieldbug with curved and distinctive pinkish-red markings on the corium.
Where is Juniper Shieldbug found?
Habitat: On Juniper and increasingly on Lawson's Cypress.
When is Juniper Shieldbug active?
Juniper Shieldbug: seasonal activity - New adults may be found from late August onwards. The species spends the winter as an adult active in all but the coldest months, and mating early in the spring..
What is the life cycle of a Juniper Shieldbug?
The traditional foodplant is Juniper, larvae feeding on the berries, but in recent years the bug has begun to use Lawson's Cypress.