Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 21

Piezodorus lituratus, also known as the gorse shieldbug or gorse seed bug, is a species of shield bug found in Africa, Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. They inhabit various habitats with host plants, preferably dry and warm environments with sandy soil. The adult bugs come in two color forms, green in the spring and purplish-red in late summer. Mating occurs from May to July, and the females lay their eggs on host plants. Common broom and dyer's greenweed are the main host plants, along with other legumes. The species is listed in the red list of Swedish species and can be distinguished from the green shieldbug by its habitat and red antennae.