| | Parent bug | | The parent bug (Elasmucha grisea) is a species in the order true bugs (Hemiptera), the suborder typical bugs (Heteroptera), the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, the superfamily Pentatomoidea, and the family shield bugs (Acanthosomatidae). This species of the genus Elasmucha is widespread and occurs in large numbers in Europe. | | |
| | | | Adult parent bugs reach body lengths of 6 - 9 mm. They are grey, greyish-yellow, yellow, green, greenish-yellow, reddish-brown or rusty brown in colour, and the upper surface is covered with little black pits. The pattern of alternating light and dark areas on the side edges of the abdomen is very striking. | | |
| | | | Parent bugs live on birch and alder, feeding on the plant juices which they suck out while sitting on the leaves. | | |
| | | | The females lay their eggs in spring, on the underside of the leaves of the food plants of their larvae, on birch or elm, for example. The eggs are deposited in groups of 30 - 50. The females care for their brood by sitting on the eggs and fasting in order to stay and defend them against potential attackers such as ants, spiders, beetles, parasitic wasps and other enemies. Even after the larvae (nymphs) have hatched from their eggs, the mothers remain on guard. The survival rate of the nymphs is therefore almost 100%. | | |
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| | | Description of images / photos | | 1. | Parent Bug - Elasmucha grisea - Top view | | 2. | Parent Bug - Elasmucha grisea | | 3. | Parent Bug - Elasmucha grisea - Rear view | | 4. | Parent Bug - Front view | | 5. | Bugs - Parent Bug - Side view |
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