DESCRIPTION: Approximately 9 - 11mm. A large and quite variable Shield Bug with the ground colour varying from buff, through to warm brown to a rich chestnut. Darker markings are also variable and can be completely absent. A similar species known as Eurygaster maura can cause confusion but testudinaria has a slight central depression at the front of the head. The second segment of the antennae is only slightly longer than the third. The scutellum has 2 white dots and the convexium is banded with lighter and darker colours. BEHAVIOUR: The larvae can be found feeding on rushes and sedges between May and June. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent throughout southern Britain. HABITAT: Open dry or damp grasslands. PERIOD: Adults primarily found between July and early August but can be found most of the year. |
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