Common Green Shieldbug - Palomena prasina

Length 12-13.5 mm. A large shieldbug with a dark wing membrane and reddish antennae (4th and 5th segments). Adults are bright green in the spring and summer but finely punctured with dark marks. They become a darker bronze-brown prior to winter hibernation.

May be found in many habitats, including parks and gardens.

Adult: All year.

There is one generation per year; the nymphs feed on many deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly Hazel, and can be found from June to October. Later nymphs are often darker than those found earlier in the season. Newly-emerged adults may show a pale wing membrane.

Common and widespread throughout Britain becoming scarcer further north.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.