Early shield bug nymph.

Gerel · #1 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 05:07 PM

Hi all,

I was surprised to find this out so early in the year when we've still got snow on the ground. I think its an early instar shield bug nymph (2-3mm long) but I can't decide what species. Any thoughts.

Steve

charlieb · #2 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 07:29 PM

Pentatoma rufipes, the Forest Bug

Bruce Williams · #3 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 08:47 PM

Steve - I have seen at least one or two of these at my main "old wooden fence" sites virtually every week throughout the winter. My guess is that they are around through out the year.

Bruce

tristanba · #4 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 11:49 PM

yes, this species does overwinter as an early instar nymph

Gerel · #5 (**permalink**) 26-02-2010, 12:24 AM

Thanks all,

I've seen lots of these here as adults/late instar nymphs, never seen a youngster before.

I'm going to have to put up some wooden fences Bruce, they seem to be the place to look for inverts in the winter. All we have are stock-netting fences which are no where near as productive.

Steve