beetle ID please!

[stevecn]

just noticed on next doors runner bean plant there is lots of beetles in little huddles of about 12 in each group, they are tiny things that resemble very small ladybirds they are black and have red and white spots on there back, any help with the ID of these?

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Steve,

Can you get a photo please?

Tke care,

Jason

[stevecn]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Afternoon Steve,

Can you get a photo please?

Tke care,

Jason

i knew that was coming lol should of done it while i was out there, yeah sure 2mins i will do my best as they are very small

[stevecn]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Afternoon Steve,

Can you get a photo please?

Tke care,

Jason

here jason, not the best of quailty but i think you can get the idea of them. they are about 4mm big id say

[stevecn]

[Klaas Reißmann]

I don't see any photo.

Klaas

[stevecn]

Originally Posted by Klaas Reißmann

I don't see any photo.

Klaas

how about now ?

[Dogghound]

They are 2nd instar Southern Green Shieldbug Nezara viridula nymphs.

[Jason Green]

Agreed. What is the history of these plants, were they imported as pot-plants, or grown from seed?

This species is occasionally imported with pea-type plants, and the last five or so years have seen them actually breeding in the London area. The last two have seen a reduction with subsequent fears they hadn't survived our harsh winter just gone.

[aeshna5]

About 3 or 4 years back there were quite a lot of Nezara viridula colonies scattered around London. A friend of mine in Chiswick had dozens at different stages on his Hibiscus (his gardening wife wasn't impressed!), but none appeared to survive the winter as none were seen the following year.

Subsequently I haven't heard of too many, though Tristan who is the national recorder for this group says there are a few records still about. It would be worth sending a pm to him with the precise details of this record.