Parent Bug

Elasmucha grisea

TQ4792 03/08/2018 ©Raymond Small 

The Parent Bug (7-9 mm) has a black and white connexivum and there is usually a black patch on the scutellum. Adults overwinter and emerge in spring to mate. Soon after mating the male dies leaving the larger female to tend the eggs and young larvae. New adults appear from August onwards. 

Instars

TQ4792 03/08/2018 ©Raymond Small 

Instars can sometimes be found grouped on the underside of an alder and birch leaves. Birch and alder are larval foodplants.

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