Tortoise Bug

Tortoise Bug - Eurygaster testudinaria

Description

Length 9 to 11 mm. A fairly large shieldbug, the two Eurygaster species are often known as Tortoise Bugs. The ground colour and intensity of the markings are variable, including dark purplish- or reddish-browns with cream striping.  In adult Eurygaster testudinaria, the second antennal segment is less than twice as long as the third segment.  This is difficult to confirm from a photograph, and in order to verfiy as a species, genital examination is necessary.  

Similar Species

Eurygaster maura is very similar and can only be reliably separated from E. testudinaria by genital examination. 

Identification difficulty

genitalia

Recording advice

Determination of this species requires genital examination.  For females, also provide a close-up photograph of the external gentialia underneath the tip of the abdomen; for males, provide a photograph of dissected aedeagus.

Habitat

Dry and damp grasslands.

When to see it

Adult: All year.

Life History

Nymphs feed on grasses between May and August, becoming adult from June.

UK Status

Previously uncommon, it is now widespread in southern Britain and Ireland in and is expanding its range northwards.

VC55 Status

Frequent

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured squares = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records