Description
Shield-shaped insects that grow up to 15 millimetres in length. They vary in colour from bright green to brown. Nymphs are wingless and about 10 millimetres long. They sometimes display orange, red or white markings during different instar stages.
Green vegetable bugs use a chemical defence mechanism. When attacked or disturbed, they can release an unpleasant smelling chemical that deters predators and can cause other vegetable bugs to drop to the ground.
Common native plant hosts
| Scientific names | Māori/common names |
|---|---|
| Coprosma spp. | Shiny karamū, twiggy coprosma, taupata, mikimiki, kanono, manono |
| Clianthus | Kākābeak |
| Pseudopanax spp. | Five-finger, lancewood, savage lancewood, whauwhaupaku, horoeka, houpara |
Scientific names
Coprosma spp.
Māori/common names
Shiny karamū, twiggy coprosma, taupata, mikimiki, kanono, manono
Scientific names
Clianthus
Māori/common names
Kākābeak
Scientific names
Pseudopanax spp.
Māori/common names
Five-finger, lancewood, savage lancewood, whauwhaupaku, horoeka, houpara
Symptoms and damage
- Heavily infested plants may become deformed, shrivel and wilt.
- Sap-sucking insect.
Prevention and control tips
- Chemical insecticides.
- Neem.
Natural predators
Many beneficial insects eat their eggs.
Image details
Photo by Lee Harris - no rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)