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Shieldbugs. (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Tammie
- Start date
DenisG
Well-known member
December?
Hello folks and especially Harry.
Couple of questions.........is the attached pic a shieldbug nymph and is it possible to identify. Must admit I didn't expect to see these about at Fairburn Ings on the last day of December 06!, is this usual?. Length in total is approx 2-3mm (probably nearer 2)
I photograph lots of shieldbugs but have never actually found a good guide for the nymphs.
Don't know how to post pic so hope this link will suffice.
http://www.denisg.co.uk/gallery/albums/UploadsFTP2/Insects/_DSC0614.jpghttp://www.denisg.co.uk/gallery/albums/UploadsFTP2/Insects/thumb__DSC0614.jpg
Denis.
Hello folks and especially Harry.
Couple of questions.........is the attached pic a shieldbug nymph and is it possible to identify. Must admit I didn't expect to see these about at Fairburn Ings on the last day of December 06!, is this usual?. Length in total is approx 2-3mm (probably nearer 2)
I photograph lots of shieldbugs but have never actually found a good guide for the nymphs.
Don't know how to post pic so hope this link will suffice.
http://www.denisg.co.uk/gallery/albums/UploadsFTP2/Insects/_DSC0614.jpghttp://www.denisg.co.uk/gallery/albums/UploadsFTP2/Insects/thumb__DSC0614.jpg
Denis.
Last edited:
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
DenisG said:
Hello Denis.
I'm sorry, but I don't think that this is a Shieldbug. This 'group' either overwinters in either in the the 'Mature' adult or 'Ova' stage. I'm by no means certain, but I think you have a 'Capsid Bug' nymph pictured here. These species are well outside my area of 'expertese'. Sorry.
There is very little literature or other information available about British Shieldbugs in their nymphal stages. They can, and do, vary, from instar to instar in both shape and colouring. I'm sorry, but I can't be of more assistance.
Regards,
Harry
138mph
Well-known member
adult green shiledbug today
Just found my first shield bug of the year, a nice brown adult Palomena prasina sunning itself in my bedfordshire, UK garden. There was a noticeable frost last night, and my car said it was still -2c at 08:00, but it was up to 7c by 11:30. I hadn't expected anything much to be around, but bees, Red Admirals, 7spot Ladybird, ...
Hugh
Just found my first shield bug of the year, a nice brown adult Palomena prasina sunning itself in my bedfordshire, UK garden. There was a noticeable frost last night, and my car said it was still -2c at 08:00, but it was up to 7c by 11:30. I hadn't expected anything much to be around, but bees, Red Admirals, 7spot Ladybird, ...
Hugh
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
Taking my usual daily walk along the local riverbank on a bright and surprisingly warm afternoon last Friday I was pleasantly surprised to find three species of Shieldbug. A Parent Bug and a Birch Shieldbug on flowering Hazel catkins and two Gorse Shieldbugs on a spray on Gorse flowers.
I wouldn't expect to see any of these until early March. A post hibernated Comma and Small Tortoiseshell rounded off my day nicely.
Harry
I wouldn't expect to see any of these until early March. A post hibernated Comma and Small Tortoiseshell rounded off my day nicely.
Harry
Barred Wobbler
Well-known member
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
Alan Seaton said:
Hello Alan,
It looks like Pyrrhocoris apterus The Firebug.
Having said that there are several red coloured bugs which are somewhat similar in Europe. I don't have books that cover all the Continetal species.
Harry
Barred Wobbler
Well-known member
Gosh, That was quick Harry.harry eales said:
Thanks.
Brian Stone
A Stone chatting
Brian Stone
A Stone chatting
Many thanks.
Stuart Read
Well-known member
Brian Stone said:
I believe this is a Sloe Bug, in winter colours, on account of the very pale tip to the scutellum & the black & white barred antennae.
Stuart.
Brian Stone
A Stone chatting
Even better as that was my tentative best guess.
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
Stuart Read said:
I would agree, a Sloe Bug.
Harry
I found this green sheildbug which had two strange markings on it which by my reckoning it shouldn't have. Would this be from someone doing research? If so does anyone know of research being done on sheildbugs in the Suffolk/Cambridge/Essex area that might like to know about it?
Attachments
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
SarahK said:
Hello SarahK,
Your picture is that of a Green Shieldbug Palomena prasina that is in transitional stage between hibernating and spring colouration.
During hibernation they go a dull purplish brown which acts as camouflage. One they awaken in spring they change back slowly to their normal colour.
Harry
