Turtle Shieldbug
Podops inuncta
This record describes Podops inuncta (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 6 mm. A fairly small shieldbug with two unmistakeable features; a long tongue-like scutellum which reaches the rear of the abdomen and two small projections on the pronotum at each side of the head. Found in dry and damp habitats, it is strongly ground-dwelling and rarely found unless searched for. There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on a range of grasses. Widespread and fairly common across southern and central England
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Pentatomidae
- Genus
- Podops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in dry and damp habitats, it is strongly ground-dwelling and rarely found unless searched for.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on a range of grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common across southern and central England
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Podops inuncta. 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 Turtle Shieldbug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Turtle Shieldbug
What is Turtle Shieldbug?
Turtle Shieldbug (Podops inuncta) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Turtle Shieldbug?
5 to 6 mm. A fairly small shieldbug with two unmistakeable features; a long tongue-like scutellum which reaches the rear of the abdomen and two small projections on the pronotum at each side of the head.
Where is Turtle Shieldbug found?
Habitat: Found in dry and damp habitats, it is strongly ground-dwelling and rarely found unless searched for.
When is Turtle Shieldbug active?
Turtle Shieldbug: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Turtle Shieldbug?
There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on a range of grasses.