Woundwort Shieldbug
Eysarcoris venustissimus
This record describes Eysarcoris venustissimus (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5-7 mm. The Woundwort Shieldbug is a small greenish-grey species. The head and the front of both the pronotum and scutellum are copper coloured, while the connexivum is marked with black and white. Adult: All year - new adults may be found from August onwards. There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on Hedge Woundwort and White Dead-nettle. Although rare in the 19th century, this Shieldbug is now widespread in southern Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Pentatomidae
- Genus
- Eysarcoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In hedgerows and woodland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year - new adults may be found from August onwards.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on Hedge Woundwort and White Dead-nettle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although rare in the 19th century, this Shieldbug is now widespread in southern Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Eysarcoris venustissimus. 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 Woundwort Shieldbug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Woundwort Shieldbug
What is Woundwort Shieldbug?
Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Woundwort Shieldbug?
5-7 mm. The Woundwort Shieldbug is a small greenish-grey species. The head and the front of both the pronotum and scutellum are copper coloured, while the connexivum is marked with black and white.
Where is Woundwort Shieldbug found?
Habitat: In hedgerows and woodland habitats.
When is Woundwort Shieldbug active?
Woundwort Shieldbug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year - new adults may be found from August onwards..
What is the life cycle of a Woundwort Shieldbug?
There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring/early summer. The larvae feed on Hedge Woundwort and White Dead-nettle.