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Hawthorn Shieldbug
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale 
Family: Acanthosomatidae

A distinctive species, although confusion with the smaller and less elongate Birch Shieldbug E. interstinctus is possible. The lateral extensions of the pronotum are larger in A. haemorrhoidale, and are marked with red, while the scutellum is green and the abdomen frequently red-tipped.

Overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae occur May-October, feeding mainly on hawthorn berries, although a range of other deciduous trees are also used, inlcuding oak, hazel and birch. The new generation is complete from August/September or even later; adults may become darker before hibernation.

Common and widespread in various habitats across Britain and Ireland.

 Adult: All year
Length 13-15 mm

see illustrated life stages chart		 Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale Hawthorn Shieldbug
Adult: north London (September 2008) ©Laurence Counter
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale Hawthorn Shieldbug Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale Hawthorn Shieldbug
 Adult pre-hibernation: Lincs (November 2007) ©Rachel Scopes

 Adult: Shrops (June 2007) ©Nigel Jones
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph
Early instar nymph: London (July 2008) ©Laurence Counter

 Early instar nymph: Surrey (August 2009) ©Ashley Wood
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph
Mid instar nymph (red form): Co. Durham (Sept 2009) ©Ian Beddison
 Mid instar nymph: south London (August 2007) ©Joe Botting
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph
Mid instar nymph: Surrey (August 2009) ©Ashley Wood

 		Mid instar nymph: Co. Durham (August 2009) ©Ian Beddison
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale nymph
Final instar nymph: central London (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Final instar nymph: Lincs (September 2007) ©Michael Talbot