This species is usually straightforward to identify. It is a large, predominantly brown species with prominent black-tipped ‘shoulders’ and a yellowish-orange spot in the centre of the scutellum. It is sometimes known as the Red-legged Shieldbug due to the intense reddish leg colour, although this is not unique to this species. It has a unique life history among Irish shieldbugs as it overwinters as a nymph, which are usually a mottled greenish or brownish colour.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and fairly common.
Habitat: A wide range of habitats with trees may be used, including deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, gardens and scrub.
Habits: Unlike most shieldbug species which can be seen as adult throughout much of the year, the Forest Bug emerges as an adult around July and persists until October, peaking in August. It overwinters as a small nymph on deciduous trees, but sheltered areas of manmade structures such as wooded fences or gravestones can be used. The adults can be found in a wide range of deciduous trees, where they are partly predatory, such as oaks, Ash, Hazel and Alder. They frequently wander onto other trees and shrubs so beating or visually searching these are effective ways to find it.
