Palomena prasina, Common Green Shield Bug

Common Name: Common Green Shield Bug

Palomena prasina is a large shield bug (length 12-13.5 mm) with a dark wing membrane and reddish antennae (4th and 5th segments). Adults are bright green in the spring and summer, but finely punctured with dark marks. They become a darker bronze-brown prior to winter hibernation.

There is one generation per year; the nymphs feed on many deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly hazel, and can be found from June to October. Later nymphs are often darker than those found earlier in the season. Usually the imago stage is reached in September, with hibernation occurring in November. Newly-emerged adults may show a pale wing membrane, leading to possible confusion with Nezara viridula, a recent arrival in southern England.

Common and widespread throughout Britain and Ireland, becoming scarcer further north. May be found in many habitats, including parks and gardens.

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