For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Scientific name: Rhaphigaster nebulosa
Size: Up to 16mm long
Distribution: Found mostly in southern England
Months seen: April to October
Life span: Up to 2 years
Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland edges, parks and gardens
Food: Plant sap of various plants and trees
Special features: Although they're quite common in mainland Europe Mottled Shield Bugs are a fairly new species to the UK. They were first recorded in London in 2010.
As the name suggests they have distinct dark brown mottled markings over their body, wings and legs. The antennae each have two cream coloured bands.
Mottled Shield Bugs are quite clumbsy in flight and they make a loud buzzing sound as they fly. As a defense mechanism they can release a smelly secretion from their thorax.
Sightings
2019 - RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex - Richard Easey (photo)
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