Facultative-phytophagy

Guides

• Zicrona caerulea

  Blue Shieldbug, blue shield bug

  Zicrona caerulea is a small predatory shield bug in the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Asopinae. Adults measure 5–8 mm and display a striking uniform metallic blue-green coloration, with immatures showing red abdomens with black markings. This univoltine species is a documented predator of leaf beetles (Altica spp.), beetle larvae, and moth caterpillars, though it has also been observed feeding on plants. It overwinters as an adult and produces new adults from July onwards.

  predatory-shield-bugmetallic-colorationunivoltinebiological-controlAsopinaePentatomidaeHemipterainsect-predatoroverwintering-adultfacultative-phytophagy