Taxonomy

Elasmostethus interstinctus | Birch Shieldbug

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not assessed.

Species Biology

Identification

Small to medium-sized. Green with red-brown speckles. Scutellum and most of the wings are red. Shoulders of the pronotum are usually green and simply rounded.

Habitat

Is found in lowland bogs, hedgerows and garders, where there is plentiful birch (Betula sp.) and hazel (Corylus avellana). It is most common on mature trees with catkins.

Life cycle

Adults may be found in all months except July and August. Nymphs are present from June to September.

Similar species

Birch Shieldbug is similar to Hawthorn Shildbug but it is much smaller, neater and lacks the red-tipped pointed shoulders.

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Irish distribution

Occurs through Ireland.

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.

Images