About Holcostethus strictus (Fabricius, 1803)
Peribalus strictus (formerly known by the scientific name Holcostethus strictus (Fabricius, 1803)) can reach a body length of 9.5–11 millimetres (0.37–0.43 in). These shieldbugs are quite variable in appearance, with greenish-brown coloration and dense dark punctuation on the head, elytra, pronotum, and scutellum. The pronotum margins are yellowish, quite concave, and the scutellum has a pale yellowish tip. The connexivum has distinct alternating pale brown and black bands. The antennae are orange yellow, except the final two segments, which are black. Individuals usually have lighter coloration in spring and summer than in autumn. Peribalus vernalis was once treated as a separate species, but it is now classified as a subspecies: Peribalus strictus vernalis. This subspecies has a black ring on the fourth and fifth antennal articles, an unpuctuated scutellum tip, and femora covered in small black dots. This species is widespread across Europe (excluding northern parts of the British Isles and Scandinavia), through Siberia and Central Asia, and extends as far as northern China and Japan. These shieldbugs favor dry to moderately moist, warm areas, and are typically found in clearings and rather damp environments.
