Common Not-so-Green Shieldbug

The bug on the left was found in the Elder tree the other day. It’s a Common Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina, #350) which has lost its usual vibrant green colour to be better camouflaged during the Autumn and Winter seasons. The one on the right was photographed in July. You hear a lot about mammals and birds, like Ptarmigan and Mountain Hares, that change colour in the winter - but here’s an example (albeit not so impressive as turning pure white) from your own backyard. As they hibernate as adults, remaining bright green in a brown-coloured world would not be optimal.