About Elasmostethus interstinctus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Elasmostethus interstinctus grows to a length of 8–11.5 millimetres (0.31–0.45 inches). These shield bugs have a relatively flat body, and the entire upper surface is covered mostly with black punctures. Their dorsal side is bright yellow-green, with a number of red markings. Specifically, the pronotum is yellow-green, the scutellum is green with a red center, the clavus and corium are intensely red, and the apex of the elytra is also bright red. The ventral side and abdominal margins are yellow, and the legs are yellow-green. This shield bug species can be mistaken for the Hawthorn Shield Bug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale), which is larger, more elongate, and has smaller lateral extensions on the pronotum. This fairly common species has a Holarctic distribution, and is widespread across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. These shield bugs mainly live in sunny areas with mixed birch woodlands, deciduous trees, and shrubs.
