Turtle Shieldbug - Podops inuncta

Length 5 to 6 mm. A fairly small shieldbug with two unmistakeable features; a long tongue-like scutellum which reaches the rear of the abdomen and two small projections on the pronotum at each side of the head.

Found in dry and damp habitats, it is strongly ground-dwelling and rarely found unless searched for.

All year round.

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

Widespread and fairly common across southern and central England

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland where there are probably fewer than 10 records.