Bugs to look out for on ornamental Hypericum

[tristanba]

Some very distinctive and eye-catching plant bugs were found on ornamental Hypericum plants (Hypericum 'hidcote') in north London last summer and they have now reappeared this year. Hypericum hidcote is a yellow-flowered shrub and is very commonly grown in gardens:



The bugs seem to be Closterotomus trivialis, a mediterranean species which is normally found on olive and citrus trees and has not been previously recorded in the UK. They are colourful and quite large plant bugs - males are usually much darker than females:

Male:


Female:


The insects are fairly obvious, frequently resting in the flowers and feeding on the buds. So far, they have only been found in a localised part of north London but independent introductions must surely have occured elsewhere, so it is worth checking ornamental Hypericum wherever you live. Bushes are more likely to be able to support populations if they are large and not pruned frequently, this allowing greater overwinter survival of eggs. The bug seems to be adult from June to late July at least.

I would be really keen to hear from anyone in relation to this, even if you have checked your bushes and found nothing - all replies gratefully received!

Many thanks
Tristan

[Jason Green]

Evening Tristan,

I recently posted about a site I haven't visited in two years, having been part taken-over by local stables. The very area had a good stand of Hypericum unfortunately, so I can't survey it.

Still, I'll keep an eye out and try and find another plant. Thanks for letting us know!

Take care,

Jason

[Acutipuerilis]

First positive report?

Mirid(?) for Id please

[tristanba]

There must be more out there! It now looks like the Hypericum is just one of many foodplants

[loripo]

Taken in our carpark today, one of six, one male. Will put the better closeup on flickr.
THis shot was just to show the environment. A bit of tidying up was done last Autumn but the centre wasn't disturbed.

[Jason Green]

Glad to see it Lori - thanks for the update!

[tristanba]

Hi Lori,

Very interesting that this Mediterranean endemic has survived one of the coldest British winters in recent history! Somehow I think these contintental species are hardier than we give them credit for.

I shall have to look at my local site!

Cheers, Tristan

[tristanba]

Quick update on this interesting bug - I did indeed find several males last week, in the same north London gardens where I have seen them previously. More interestingly, many were recorded during the recent Bioblitz event which took place in the Natural History Museum gardens. There must be more out there!

[mickmassie]

Closterotomus trivialis males and females in my Chiswick garden on Hypericum buds. They are very active and very shy.

[tristanba]

Well done Mick, this species seems to be doing very well in London!