24/05/2026
As National Biodiversity Week draws to a close we introduce to you the Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum.)
Shieldbugs are members of the Order Hemiptera, which includes aphids and planthoppers.
They are classified as ‘true bugs’ and there are 18 species recognised here in Ireland.
The National Biodiversity Data Centre wishes to know more about them as their distributions are still poorly understood.
Their presence is indicative of a healthy surrounding biodiversity.
This Hairy Shieldbug was spotted recently on the leaves of Centaurea montana in our herbaceous border.