The Cornish Shieldbug
Fast Facts
Latin name: Geotomus punctulatus
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Where in the UK: Only known from Sennen Cove, West Cornwall.
Cornish Shieldbug (Geotomus punctulatus) © Suso Tizón, (CC-BY-NC-SA)
The Cornish Shieldbug (Geotomus punctulatus) is a small, black coloured shieldbug that is native to the UK. They have sparse, long hairs around the head and the body.
This shieldbug is very similar in appearance to the Geotomus petiti, but is considered to have a rounder body shape – though this is a little subjective. The most conclusive identification technique is to examine the male genitalia. The parameres of the Cornish Shieldbug are pointed while those of G. petiti are flat.
It is thought that the Cornish Shieldbug feeds upon Ladies Bedstraw, Galium verum, which grows in the low dune systems where the shieldbug lives. It’s most active in the summer months but can be found all year round.
- Size: 3.5 to 4.5 mm.
- Life span: Unknown.
- Diet: Ladies Bedstraw (Galium verum)
- Reproduction: Unknown.
- When to see: Active all year but most active in the summer.
- Population Trend: Unknown.
- Threats: Recreational activities from the nearby popular beach. Commercial development.
- Interesting Fact: This species is ground living and often burrows into the sand where they live.
How you can help
This species’ conservation is supported by Buglife’s South West Species Recovery Project. This project aims to learn more about the Cornish Shieldbug and work towards ensuring the continued survival of this endemic species.
Buglife work to increase awareness of invertebrates and support nature’s recovery through our projects and campaigns, but we need your help!
You can support our work by joining our community.
Or keep a lookout for the Cornish Shieldbug and share your finds – download the iRecord app and get recording!
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