The status of the Juniper Shieldbug in Ireland is a curious one. It is currently increasing, having only been added to the Irish list in 1995. As its name suggests it is historically associated with Juniper, but most modern records are of specimens associated with Lawson Cypress, a tree frequently planted in parks and gardens. It is a medium-sized, rather slender green species with two orange-brown bands on the wing cases and clear wing membrane at the posterior end of the abdomen.
Distribution in Ireland: Its historical range in Ireland would appear to have been the calcareous areas of eastern Galway. Its current range is across much of southern, central and eastern Ireland, although it is distinctly local.
Habitat: When associated with Juniper, it inhabits calcareous scrub. Those associated with cypresses are more often found in parks and gardens.
Habits: A herbivorous species which feeds on the berries of Juniper and Lawson Cypress. It is usually encountered around the fruiting branches of these shrubs and visual searching and beating can both be effective ways to find it. Overwintering takes place as an adult, usually nestled among the needles of its hostplants.
