Bug Identifier
Green Shield Bug (Green Stink Bug)
Community identification

Green Shield Bug (Green Stink Bug)

Palomena prasina

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera, Family Pentatomidae
Size
12–14 mm (Adults)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, woodlands, and orchards; widely distributed across Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on plant sap from a variety of shrubs and trees, including hazel, birch, and fruit trees.

Behavior Patterns

They undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Adults change from bright green to brown in autumn to hibernate, returning to green in spring. They are known for releasing a pungent chemical from scent glands when threatened.

Risks & Benefits

They are generally harmless to humans but can be a minor pest to fruit crops. They serve as a food source for birds and spiders, contributing to the local ecosystem.