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The Southern Broad-bellied Bug, Eurygaster austriaca, is a shield bug (family Scutelleridae) found in the Palaearctic Region. This insect is a broad, oval-shaped bug, about 12 mm long, with a chitinous scutellum that covers its entire abdomen and wings. It is known for feeding on cereal crops and other grasses.
Family: Scutelleridae (shield bugs or jewel bugs)
Genus: Eurygaster
Broad and oval body shape.
About 12 mm (0.5 inches) in length.
Chitinous, broad scutellum that covers the wings and abdomen.
Color can vary, but is often light brown.
Widely distributed throughout the Palaearctic Region, including parts of Europe and Asia.
Life Cycle:
Adults overwinter in forests.
Females lay eggs in batches of seven eggs.
Nymphs molt five times while feeding on host plants.
Feeding: Feeds on cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and oats, as well as other perennial grasses.
Mating: Mating and egg-laying occur in the spring and early summer.
Migration: Adults are capable of significant migrations.
Impact: It is a pest that can have high damaging activity, especially in forest-steppe zones.
