Brassica Shieldbug - Eurydema oleracea

Length 6 to 7 mm. Species of Eurydema are dramatically coloured, usually red and black bugs, but often with other colour morphs. In E. oleracea the dark metallic green/blue-black ground colour is overlain with red, yellow, creamy white or orange markings.

Larvae may be found May-July on a range of Brassicas including Garlic Mustard and Horse-radish.

This bug overwinters as an adult, emerging in the spring.

Infrequent but well distributed in southern and central England.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.