Piezodorus lituratus

Piezodorus lituratus, the gorse shield bug, is a species of Pentatomidae, a family of shield bugs. This species is present in Africa, in most of Europe, in Northern Asia (excluding China) and in North America. These shield bugs live in many habitats where host plants are present. They prefer dry and warm habitats, especially with sandy soil. Piezodorus lituratus can reach a length of 10–13 mm (0.39–0.51 in). These large shieldbugs occur in two adult colour forms. In the spring when they emerge and mate they are predominantly green, while the new generation that appears in the late summer has purplish-red markings on the pronotum and Corium. In autumn they have much paler color, prior to the hibernation they may become darker, but after the hibernation they are bright green. In the Piezodorus lituratus var. alliaceus the corium shows a uniform yellow-greenish color. This species could be confused with the green shieldbug, Palomena prasina, but Piezodorus lituratus has a different habitat and red antennae.