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Elasmostethus interstinctus Birch Shieldbug
Family: Acanthosomatidae

 A distinctive species, although confusion with the larger and more elongate Hawthorn shieldbug A. haemorrhoidale is possible. The lateral extensions of the pronotum are smaller in E. intersinctus, and are not marked with red, while the scutellum of A. haemorrhoidale is green, and the abdomen frequently red-tipped.

This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The larvae feed principally on birch, but may also be found on hazel and aspen; the new generation is complete by August. Common and widespread in mixed birch woodlands across Britain and Ireland. A frequent visitor to light traps.

 Adult: All year
Length 8-11.5 mm

see illustrated life stages chart		 Elasmostethus intersinctus Birch Shieldbug
Adult: north London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Elasmostethus intersinctus Birch Shieldbug Elasmostethus intersinctus Birch Shieldbug
Adult: Lincs (October 2007) ©Michael Talbot

 Adult: N London (July 2009) ©Laurence Counter
Elasmostethus intersinctus nymphs Elasmostethus intersinctus adult with nymphs
1st, 2nd & 3rd instar nymphs: Lincs (August 2006) ©Michael Talbot

 Adult & late instar nymphs: south Wales (August 2006) ©Ian Tew
Elasmostethus intersinctus nymph Elasmostethus intersinctus nymph
Final instar nymph: south Wales (July 2006) ©Ian Tew

 Final instar nymph: south Wales (August 2006) ©Ian Tew
Elasmostethus intersinctus
Teneral adult: Norfolk (August 2009) ©Tristan Bantock