Pittosporum Beetles, on Native Apricot

[flo]

I have two of these clumps of beetles on my Native Apricot. Pittosporum angustatum (previously P. phylliaroides). I have looked up other sites and have found reference to Pittosporum Beetles in QLD but they look different to these. I first thought Jewel or Shield bugs, does anyone know what they are? My instinct is to leave them alone and observe. If they appear to be too destructive I will nudge them off with a stick. Does anyone have experience with these?

[roughbarked]

without looking them up further I'd say you are correct in assuming shield bugs or of that group..

Most likely using the plant as a host .. not always the target plant.