Parent Bug Elasmucha grisea

The Parent Bug is a small Shieldbug, some 8-10mm long excluding antennae, with variable colouring but basically brownish with greenish legs. They are common on birch trees. The one shown here has the autumn colouring which is much darker and less red than the spring/summer colouring. There is also a silver-grey version. They over-winter as adults.

The name Parent Bug is given as the adult female sits on her eggs and looks after her young - most unusual behaviour in the insect world.