The birch shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) is like other stink bugs in the fact that they produce a foul-smelling odor when threatened. When they aren't being stinky, you can take a moment to appreciate their x-shaped red markings. Their eggs are laid on the upper side of birch leaves, where their nymphs are able to feed.

The red-cross shield bug (Elasmostethus cruciatus) is a bright yellow bug with a red "x" pattern located on its back. Like similar insects, it releases a terrible odor to deter unwanted dinner guests who want the red-cross shield bug to be the main course. It loves forested areas where alder trees grow. 

The intriguing elasmostethus nubilus thrives across temperate climates, adorned with a mottled pattern that camouflages it among the foliage where it resides. As an adept herbivore, this treetop dweller feasts primarily on leaves, indulging in the new growth to fuel its development from nymph to maturity. Distinctly, this creature nurtures its young, an uncommon behavior that sees it standing guard over its eggs, contrasting the more solitary habits seen in its Order.

The shield bug (Elasmucha lateralis) has a flat body with reddish-brown patterns and small indents along its back. Different from the most insect, when females lay their eggs, they stay to guard the young nymphs once they hatch. These bugs are commonly found in woodlands, feeding on birch and other plants.

The elegant parent bug can be recognized by its distinct shield-shaped body and the mottled gray to greenish pattern lending effective camouflage among foliage. This species exhibits maternal care, a behavior not commonly observed among its relatives, with the nurturing of offspring until they reach their second instar. Their diet primarily comprises the sap and juices extracted from a variety of plants, showing a marked preference for leaves of woody shrubs.

The hawthorn shield bug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) is a common European shield bug. Its chief food is haws, the fruit of the hawthorn tree, but adults can overwinter on a diet of leaves, and individuals can be found on many potential food plants, including pedunculate oak, sessile oak and whitebeam. They may grow up to 17 mm (0.67 in) long, and are camouflaged in shades of green and brown. Like many so-called "stink bugs", they may release unpleasant odours when disturbed.

With a life cycle punctuated by metamorphosis, acanthosoma denticaudum transitions from nymph to a plant-feeding adult with a shield-like back. Its piercing mouthparts delve into plant tissues, extracting sustenance. This species is characterized by seasonal color changes, with a protective winter camouflage that shifts to vibrant mating displays during warmer months.

Juniper shield bug is predominantly found in deciduous woodlands, often observed on the leaves of oak trees where they have a specialized diet feeding on the sap. This species undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs resembling the adults but lacking fully developed wings. Reproduction involves females laying eggs on the underside of leaves, ensuring the next generation has immediate access to food.