Eurygaster alternata (Say 1828)

In Alberta, this species has been collected from June to August.

E. alternata is found throughout the continental United States south to New Mexico and north through much of Canada, even reaching the Northwest Territories (Maw et al. 2000). Within Alberta, this species has been taken near Cypress Hills (partly treed plateau, up to 4,800 feet), Medicine Hat, Lethbridge (short-grass prairie), Calgary (short and long-grass prairie), Beaverlodge (mixed northern forest and parkland), and Cochrane (foothills) (Strickland 1953).

7.5- 9.5 mm. The genus Eurygaster is easily told from other Albertan genera by its narrow scutellum which exposes the hemylytra for its entire length. Both E. alternata and E. amerinda are similar in appearance, although E. alternata is somewhat smaller and is generally found in wetter habitats (McPherson 1982). Colour and patterning in both species can be quite variable.

Prefers moist habitats. Associated with swampy areas and hedges (McPherson 1983).

This species has been preyed upon by lizards, birds, and asilid flies, and is used in nest provisioning by the astatid wasp Dryudella montana (Cresson) (McPherson 1982).

Phytophagous

Eurygaster alternata is a species of shield-backed bug in the family Scutelleridae. It is found in North America.