Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug - Aelia acuminata

Length 8 to 9 mm. A large and distinctive striped shieldbug with an obviously pointed head and ridged pronotum. 

Tall and rank dry grassland habitats, including sand dunes.

Adult: All year, with new adults found from August onwards.

There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring and early summer. The larvae feed on the ripening seeds of a range of grasses.

Widespread across southern Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland to follow.