The southern green shield bug is in the order Hemiptera or true bugs. Adults are recognized by their shield-shape, their five-segmented antennae, and their malodorous scent. The adult males can reach a body length of about 12 millimeters, while females are slightly larger. The body is usually bright green, the eyes reddish or black. There is a row of three white spots on the scutellum.
The larvae of the Southern green shield bug molt five times before reaching maturity, increasing in size each time. Each instar stage lasts about one week and can be distinguished by the pattern of their exoskeleton coloration. Today’s photo shows a fifth instar nymph.