Insect ID - think it is some kind of shield bug

paulstrong · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 07:36 PM

Found a couple of these in my loft - see photo.
Some more pics at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/catriona.lugton/

Any ideas what these are?

2dogs2000 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 08:52 PM

Welcome to WAB.

Have a look at Western Conifer Seed bug.There is another thread on the insect forum about these.

2dogs2000 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 08:52 PM

Ignore this one.

Trying to delete as I had posted twice somehow.

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 08:57 PM

Evening Paul, and welcome to WAB

Yes, as 2d says, these are Western Conifer Seed Bugs. They are non-native species that are gaining a slight foot-hold in the Southern-most counties. They are of American origin, until 1999 when they reached Italy through Timber imports. The next ten years have seen a subsequent European spread of this insect.

Observers of these are asked to report it to DEFRA.

Take care,

Jason

2dogs2000 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 09:00 PM

I think I am going to change my user name to tuppence. (2d)

loripo · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 09:07 PM

Just a point re DEFRA - when I sent details of a caterpillar a few months ago, they took 4 weeks to reply and then said they couldnt help. So I passed to details to our local authority Ecology Dept. It might be better to try something like that then they have to clout that seems to be needed to make DEFRA take any notice.
Just for my info - are these all found in coastal areas at the moment?

Jason Green · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 09:13 PM

Hi Lori,

What caterpillar were you reporting? Well, Tristan gave a list of other locations for the bug here - http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...288-post7.html - and Adam Cheeseman also then pointed out it having been found in Portland, Dorset

tristanba · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 10:17 PM

Hi Paul,

Whereabouts are you in the UK? This bug has been arriving via natural immigration across the English channel (during autumn 2008 and now autumn 2009) and also as an accidental import in timber shipments. Your location will be helpful in determining which of these is most likely. In fact, it is quite possible that populations are well-established in certain areas and we are now seeing the first UK bred adults.

Cheers
Tristan

paulstrong · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 11:54 PM

These two were found in attic in my house in Hove.

Wondering if they came in from the cold as temperature has dropped a bit.

They are handsome critters - just hope they don't decide to eat my roof timbers.

loripo · #10 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 05:46 PM

The caterpillar I reported was a possible Gypsy Moth. THe Ecology DEpt said they agreed and would be keeping a watch in the area of the Park where it was found and that if there were any signs of damage to the trees they would report to DEFRA thru their 'usual channels'.