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Tritomegas bicolor Pied Shieldbug
Family: Cydnidae

 Although a distinctive black and white shieldbug, this species now requires careful separation from the very similar T. sexmaculatus, a recent arrival in south-east England (see this species for further details).

Like other members of this family, this is a ground-dwelling species, but may be found feeding on the aerial parts of white dead-nettle and black horehound, the main hostplants. 

Widespread in southern Britain in hedgerow and woodland edge habitats, becoming rarer northwards and absent from Scotland and Ireland. There may be two overlapping generations each summer. Females exhibit brood care of the eggs.

 Adult: All year
Length 5.5-7.5 mm

see illustrated life stages chart
 Tritomegas bicolor
Adult: Berks (April 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Tritomegas bicolor Tritomegas bicolor
Adult: north London (April 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adults: north London (April 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Tritomegas bicolor nymph Tritomegas bicolor nymph
Early instar nymphs: May (June 2010) ©Jonathan Michaelson

 Early instar nymphs: May (June 2010) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Tritomegas bicolor nymphs Tritomegas bicolor nymphs
Mid and late instar nymphs: Berks  (June 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson

 Late instar nymph: Berks  (June 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson