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A juniper shieldbug clinging to the leaves of a cypress tree. It's a green shieldbug with a curving pink marking on each side of its back

Juniper shieldbug © Frank Porch

Juniper shieldbug

As the name suggests, this shieldbug can often be found on juniper trees. Look out for its distinctive markings.

Scientific name

Cyphostethus tristriatus

When to see

All year, overwintering as adults

Species information

Category

Statistics

Length: 9-10.5 mm

Conservation status

Common

About

The juniper shieldbug is a bright green insect with distinctive, reddish-pink markings. It feeds on juniper trees, with females laying small clusters of eggs on the needles and berries. The young (called nymphs) use their straw-like mouthparts to suck juice from the berries. Adults will also feed on the needles. Traditionally, they were thought to be restricted to the juniper woodlands of southern England. However, they've now been found in juniper growing in northern England and Scotland as well.

In recent decades, the juniper shieldbug has also been found feeding on non-native cypress trees. These are often planted in parks and gardens, helping the shieldbug to expand its range across southern and central England. It looks likely to keep spreading.

How to identify

The juniper shieldbug is a bright green, shield-shaped bug. It has a curved, pinkish-red boomerang-shaped mark on each side of its back. Other key features include rounded 'shoulders' and a black x-shaped mark on its wing membrane.

Distribution

Widespread and common across south and central England, with its range expanding into Wales and northern England. Recorded in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Did you know?

Juniper shieldbugs are now also found in Canada, most likely after hitching a ride as eggs or even adults on imported ornamental plants from Europe. They were first discovered in Vancouver in 2016.