What do my findings mean?

Large host plants was important for Canthophorus impressus, similar to what has been found for other insect species. A reason for this finding is that large plants could be more easily discovered than smaller ones. Alternatively, large host plants could be actively selected by the bugs because of for example higher resource quantity, as large plant individuals probably have a higher number of available fruits for the bugs to feed on.

The preference for high sun exposure and for host plants in south-facing slopes is likely to reflect the bug's need for warm conditions. Many invertebrate species at the northern margins of their ranges, such as C. impressus in Sweden, are restricted to parts of their habitat with warmer microclimate to compensate for the cooler macroclimate.

A high cover of bare ground can also create warmer conditions. Bare ground might also be required for effective egg laying as females of the shield bug probably lay their eggs on or in the ground similarly to other related species.

The results further suggest that the distribution of C. impressus cannot solely be explained by factors on plant level, but that the bug also requires abundant host plants on a landscape level. This highlights the importance of taking both local and landscape factors into account for conservation and management plans to be effective.