Spiked Shieldbug
Picromerus bidens
This record describes Picromerus bidens (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 12-13.5 mm. A large and distinctive predatory shieldbug, which has unmistakeable thorn-like projections on the front of the pronotum. Often found in flower-rich woodland edge habitats and also frequent on heathland. This species usually overwinters as eggs and less frequently as larvae, becoming adult by July/August. The nymphs are greyish-black with pale banded legs and yellow banded antennae. Like the adults, they are predatory, feeding on the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars but will also suck sap from plants. Widespread across Britain and Ireland but scarcer further north and recently recorded from Scotland.
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
- Asopinae
- Genus
- Picromerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found in flower-rich woodland edge habitats and also frequent on heathland.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July-November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species usually overwinters as eggs and less frequently as larvae, becoming adult by July/August. The nymphs are greyish-black with pale banded legs and yellow banded antennae. Like the adults, they are predatory, feeding on the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars but will also suck sap from plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread across Britain and Ireland but scarcer further north and recently recorded from Scotland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Picromerus bidens. 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 Spiked Shieldbug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiked Shieldbug
What is Spiked Shieldbug?
Spiked Shieldbug (Picromerus bidens) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Spiked Shieldbug?
12-13.5 mm. A large and distinctive predatory shieldbug, which has unmistakeable thorn-like projections on the front of the pronotum.
Where is Spiked Shieldbug found?
Habitat: Often found in flower-rich woodland edge habitats and also frequent on heathland.
When is Spiked Shieldbug active?
Spiked Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: July-November..
What is the life cycle of a Spiked Shieldbug?
This species usually overwinters as eggs and less frequently as larvae, becoming adult by July/August. The nymphs are greyish-black with pale banded legs and yellow banded antennae. Like the adults, they are predatory, feeding on the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars but will also suck sap from plants.