About Picromerus bidens (Linnaeus, 1758)
Picromerus bidens is a large, distinctive predatory shieldbug, measuring 12 to 13.5 millimeters in length. It has a thick rostrum that is pointed away from the head. Its body color varies quite a bit, and is generally light to dark brown or bluish, with red-brown antennae and legs. Two unmistakable thorn-like brown projections grow on the sides of its pronotum, which is the source of the species name bidens, meaning "with two teeth". The front femurs have a ventral spine on their distal end. Early instar nymphs are commonly reddish, while final instar nymphs are greyish black with banded antennae and legs. This species has a wide distribution across the Palaearctic, ranging from 64°N down to North Africa, and from the British Isles east to China. It has also been introduced to North America, likely on more than one occasion, where it has been recorded at over 180 sites. These bugs prefer habitats including deciduous and mixed forests, heathland, gardens, chalk downland, and damp flower-rich meadows.
