Eurydema ornate, Ornate Shieldbug. (Linnaeus, 1758) Common name “Red Cabbage Bug”.
Family: Pentatomidae.
Length: 7 to 9mm
Season: April to October.
Two to three generations a year, less further north.
Widespread from North Africa into Europe, scarcer the further North you go into Europe. Also found in South and Eastern Asia.
Habitat: Open areas with low vegetation and scrubland up to 1,700m. This Sheild bug is considered a pest, as it feeds on the sap of plants; especially cabbage leaves and other related Brassicaceae plant crops.
Colouring and markings vary, the vivid coloured markings are to warn off would be prey, being unpalatable to most species of birds.
Lifespan 4 to 6 months.
Eggs are laid in clutches of around 12 in number and take approximately, 15 days to hatch.