Spiked Shieldbug

The Spiked Shieldbug is a large and distinctive predatory shieldbug, with a pair of unmistakeable thorn-like spikes on its shoulders and bright red legs and antennae.

They can be found in scrubby meadows and heaths, at woodland edges and in damp flower-rich meadows.

It is a predator, mainly feeding on caterpillars and other insects, but will also suck the sap from plants.

The Spiked Shieldbug usually overwinters as eggs, that hatch out the following spring. The nymphs are greyish-black, with pale banded legs and yellow banded antennae. Like the adults, they are predatory and feed on the larvae of other insects, particularly caterpillars, but like the adults will also suck sap from plants. The nymphs moult into adult form in July and August. The adults can be seen from July through to November.

Mainly found in England and Wales, but spreading north. Recently recorded in Scotland.