Shield bugs (Pentatomidae) are part of the species-rich bug family (Heteroptera).
Shield bugs are found all over the world both on land and in fresh and brackish water. You won’t find them in the sea or in the polar regions. Bugs have piercing sucking mouth parts with which they suck up their food from plants, seeds or other insects. Most bugs live on plant juices and a few species prey on other insects. More than 600 species of bugs live in most of Europe. Most bugs are not very conspicuous because they are small and have a camouflage color.
Some shield bugs begin to smell violently when threatened. Hence the name stink bugs.
See European tarnished plant bug (Lygus rugulipennis), Birch catkin bug (Kleidocerys resedae), Hairy shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) Pied shield bug (Tritomegas bicolor), Parent bug (Elasmucha grisea), Common green capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus), Lygus pratensis
Also known as:
Stink bug
