Sloe bug

Description:

Is a species of shield bug, of about 10 to 14 millimeters long. The color is red to purplish although there is some variation, the 'edges' of the abdomen, also called connexivum, are black and white banded, the antennae have a slight banding too. The underside is green to yellow and the scutellum, the backward-pointing triangular shield on the neck region is separated from the abdomen to the back. It is in contrast to the other carapaces which are more green in color. Just behind the scutellum, the brown fly wings are visible. The nymphs are more round in shape and brown in color, they have no shields or wings.

Habitat:

In the Netherlands and Belgium it is a common species, and mainly found on herbaceous plants such as blackthorn and members of the rose family. The bug sucks plant juices, preferably from flowers and fruits, causing deformities. Through consuming the plant sap extracts the bug acquires a disgusting smelling stuff that is secreted when disturbed. The bug is about 10 to 14 millimeters long and the species can be seen from August to June.