Genus Phimodera Order True bugs | Rank Species | |
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Similar True bugs, Eurygaster testudinaria, Eurygaster, Scutelleridae | ||
Phimodera humeralis is a small shieldbug found in Europe. Although occasionally seen in northern Europe, its primary range is southern Europe.
Description
The imago stage measures 5 to 7 millimetres (0.20 to 0.28 in) and ranges in color from sandy ochre to pale brown.
Phimodera humeralis is found in sparsely vegetated dune terrain on heaths and sandy hills, living on and especially in the sand around Carex arenaria, a 10–40 cm-high grass. P. humeralis is difficult to see, as from a distance they look like small light gray stones.
Adult (imago) P. humeralis hibernate through winter and mate in the spring. The mating takes about 10–15 minutes. The nymphs are 2.5 to 4 millimetres (0.10 to 0.16 in) and are usually found on the C. arenaria grass plants during June and July.
P. humeralis is considered an endangered species, especially in northern Europe.