Small Grass Shieldbug
Neottiglossa pusilla
This record describes Neottiglossa pusilla (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 4.5 mm. This small shieldbug is pale brown, with paler margins to the pronotum and abdomen, and a pale central stripe running down the pronotum and scutellum. The short head is rather flattened at the front.; the new generation of adults is complete by August. Grassy places where Poa species are present. Nymphs feed on meadow grasses (Poa sp.). Locally distributed in grasslands across southern and central England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Pentatomidae
- Genus
- Neottiglossa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy places where Poa species are present.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nymphs feed on meadow grasses (Poa sp.).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally distributed in grasslands across southern and central England.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Neottiglossa pusilla. 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 Small Grass Shieldbug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Grass Shieldbug
What is Small Grass Shieldbug?
Small Grass Shieldbug (Neottiglossa pusilla) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Small Grass Shieldbug?
4 to 4.5 mm. This small shieldbug is pale brown, with paler margins to the pronotum and abdomen, and a pale central stripe running down the pronotum and scutellum. The short head is rather flattened at the front.; the new generation of adults is complete by August.
Where is Small Grass Shieldbug found?
Habitat: Grassy places where Poa species are present.
When is Small Grass Shieldbug active?
Small Grass Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..
What is the life cycle of a Small Grass Shieldbug?
Nymphs feed on meadow grasses (Poa sp.).