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Family Scutelleridae
Home > Heteroptera >>Pentatomoidea
Adult August - June
Length 9 - 11 mm
Phenology Adult All year
Description There are 2 Eurygaster species often referred to as Tortoise Bugs ( Eurygaster testudinaria & E. maura ) The base colour and markings are often very variable
Similars E. maura This species testudinaria is distinguished from the slightly smaller and rarer
maura by a slight central depression at the front of the head and the slightly more protruding hind corners ('shoulders') of the pronotum. These characters are not consistent and together with size variation mean that of all 42 or so british Sheildbugs examination of the genetalia may be be required to be absolute - although not always depending on experience Females show a gap between the genital plate and the previous segment (may be visible in the field with a magnifying lens ), the male aedaegus has 4 internal spines (requireing microscopic examination).Life Cycle Nymphs feed on grasses between May-August, becoming adult from July.
Habitat This is a grassland species Nymphs feed on grasses between May-August, becoming adult from July. Previously uncommon it is expanding its range northwards., it is now widespread in southern Britain and Ireland on dry and damp grasslands
