Bishop's mitre shieldbug © Tom Hibbert
Bishop's mitre shieldbug
This Womble-like shieldbug can often be seen clinging to grass stems.
Scientific name
Aelia acuminataWhen to see
Mainly May to SeptemberSpecies information
About
The bishop's mitre shieldbug is common across southern Britain. It lives in a variety of grassy habitats, from woodland clearings to road verges, sand dunes and grasslands. It can often be found clinging to the stems of tall grasses and feeds on their seeds. Adults lay eggs in spring and early summer, with nymphs developing over the summer months and becoming new adults by August. They spend the winter tucked away in a sheltered spot, such as in a grass tuft or beneath leaf litter.How to identify
This distinctive bug looks a bit like a Womble, thanks to its pointed face. It is a medium-sized shieldbug with a narrow, oval shape. It's a pale, straw colour with darker brown stripes.Distribution
Found widely across southern Britain north to Yorkshire, though more patchily distributed in Wales and southwest England. A few scattered records in more northerly parts of England. Also found on Alderney.Did you know?
A mitre is a traditional hat worn by bishops, which is tall and pointed – a vaguely similar shape to this shieldbug's head!
Bishop's mitre shieldbug © Tom Hibbert