Paul writes: Shield-bugs develop in a series of flightless nymphs, or instars, each one different and slightly bigger than the previous one. This is a 5th instar, which is the final stage before adulthood. It’s about 10mm long and blends beautifully into its surroundings.
The adult Common Green Shield-bug (Palomena prasina) grows up to 12mm long and as with the nymphs is always difficult to see. It looses the black speckles and gains wings, which give it the shield-like shape of its name. It is widespread throughout England & Wales and occurs in almost all habitats, where it feeds on deciduous shrubs and trees. I found this one in a forest ride in Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire.
There is one generation a year. They overwinter as adults and emerge in spring, when they start to reproduce. The nymphs take a while to grow into adults, so the later stage nymphs and adults begin to appear in late summer.
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