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Hawthorn Shield Bugs

Identify It >   Invertebrate Section >   Hawthorn Shield Bugs >


Scientific name:  Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale

Size:  Up to 17mm long

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK, but more common in the south of England

Months seen:  April to October

Life span:  Up to 2 years

Habitat:  Hedgerows, woodland edges, parks and gardens

Food:  Sap from hawthorn leaves and berries

Special features:  Hawthorn Shield Bugs are a mottled green colour with orange-brown markings on their abdomen and wings.  The "shoulders" are pointed and are usually an orange-red colour which camouflages well with the fresh spring shoots of the hawthorn tree.

Adult insects hibernate in crevices in trees and at the base of grassy tussocks.

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