Taxonomy
Zicrona caerulea | Blue Shieldbug
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not assessed
Species Biology
Identification
As the name suggests, this species has a beautiful shiny metallic blue appearance. It has a rounded body shape that could easily be mistaken for a beetle.
Habitat
Found in lush marshy grasslands, fens and lake shores, but also around bog edges. Feeds on beetle and Lepidoptera larvae.
Life cycle
Adults seen throughout the year, except for July. Nymphs found in June and July.
Similar species
The blue colouring is unmistakable, not seen in any other bug. Some beetles are the same colour but a different shape.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Occurs throughout Ireland.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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