Any guesses on the owner ?

Lord V · #1 (**permalink**) 22-10-2007, 07:07 PM

Little patch of bug eggs on a fallen leaf - the patch is about 3mm dia making the eggs less than 1mm in dia.
Any idea of the owner ?
Brian V.

Pic linked with permission

asheleaf · #2 (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 08:12 AM

the shape and number suggest shieldbug eggs. Though I've never seen any with black markings like these?

Ashe

Acutipuerilis · #3 (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 08:31 AM

It is a shieldbug, and I know I've seen this particular one somewhere... grrr. I'll get back to you if I remember!

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 08:46 AM

Yes look very much like a shieldbugs species, which could mean a 3rd generation this year

, although not much chance of survival in late october. What plant/leaf species were they on?

Lord V · #5 (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 10:34 AM

Thanks for the answers - someone else thought they might be shieldbug eggs. Not certain on the leaf as it had already fallen onto my lawn- might be a mollis azalea though.

Brian V.

Harry Eales · #6 (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord V

Thanks for the answers - someone else thought they might be shieldbug eggs. Not certain on the leaf as it had already fallen onto my lawn- might be a mollis azalea though.

Brian V.

Brian,
I think they are Birch Shieldbug ova, it is unfortunate that the shieldbug species are given the names of foodplants as they can and do live on many species of plant and are by no means restricted to the plants after which they are named.

Harry.

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Eales

Brian,
I think they are Birch Shieldbug ova, it is unfortunate that the shieldbug species are given the names of foodplants as they can and do live on many species of plant and are by no means restricted to the plants after which they are named.

Harry.

I agree with that it can cause confusion, although it is a great aid in ID when you know the species of plant the eggs are on as a general rule with insects.

aeshna5 · #8 (**permalink**) 24-10-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

I agree with that it can cause confusion, although it is a great aid in ID when you know the species of plant the eggs are on as a general rule with insects.

I think Sloebug is the worst name as the insect is rarely found on it. I remember Roger Hawkins, who wrote the excellent Shieldbugs of Surrey, telling me that during his searches he never found this shieldbug on Blackthorn! He wanted to call it the Hairy Shieldbug.

Harry Eales · #9 (**permalink**) 24-10-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I think Sloebug is the worst name as the insect is rarely found on it. I remember Roger Hawkins, who wrote the excellent Shieldbugs of Surrey, telling me that during his searches he never found this shieldbug on Blackthorn! He wanted to call it the Hairy Shieldbug.

I have to agree with that statement, the Sloebug is probably the most inaptly named insect in Britain. The Hairy Shieldbug is a far more sensible name.

Harry