shield bug ID

Ukwildlifeo · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2010, 04:08 PM

Found this chap on a boardwalk near some reeds at Rainham RSPB. Looks like a forest shieldbug but Im not sure

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2010, 05:07 PM

I'm pretty sure it's not a Forest Bug- this has reddish legs + doesn't have yellow patches on the antennae.

Have to say not an easy one, but I'm thinking Sloebug, even though it looks pretty different to how I normally see them, but appears right shape ( though I can't see the hairiness this species should have), but has the yellow + black connexivum + this species does have yelow antennal segments. I'm certainly not sure about this, so will follow this with interest.

Hopefully Joe or Tristan will see it.

Klaas Reißmann · #3 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 05:46 AM

Hi there,

this is Rhaphigaster nebulosa.

Regards
Klaas

poschiavanus · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klaas Reißmann

Hi there,

this is Rhaphigaster nebulosa.

Regards
Klaas

This species AFAIK is not established in the British Isles (see Fauna Europaea : Taxon Details). Although it does seem to appear adventitiously: British Hets Yahoo Group

Doesn't seem hairy enough for Hairy (Sloe) Shieldbug Dolycoris baccarum, nor is the antennal banding right.

I'd be interested to know what Acutipuerilis or tristanba think.

Klaas Reißmann · #5 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 02:47 PM

Raphigaster nebulosa became cery common in the last few years in the western parts of Germany. I don't know about the netherlands, but everything different to the german facts would astonish me. I think it was only a question of time when it gets introduced to Britain.

I don't know any other bug in western Europe that looks like Raphigaster nebulosa. Dolycoris baccarum is absolutely different to the one shown in your photo, as you already noted on your own.

Quote:

Although it does seem to appear adventitiously:

Your photo in my mind is the evidence for the fact, that R. nebulosa now is introduced to Great Britain. But let's wait for other opinions.

Regards
Klaas

Edit: What does AFAIK mean???

poschiavanus · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 02:59 PM

Not doubting the ID, but I am not familiar with the species, and was just pointing out why! tristanba is, I think, now the national recorder for Shield Bugs so I'm sure will be interested.

AFAIK = As far as I know.

aeshna5 · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 04:27 PM

Looking at images online, Klaas seems to have hit the nail on the head with this. No wonder as I was puzzled, it turns out to be a species not normally found here in the UK. Didn't think it was right for Sloebug, but couldn't think of any others known to me.

Well done Neil on another great find + to Klaas for the ID.

tristanba · #8 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 05:00 PM

Never seen it myself but it certainly looks very like Raphigaster nebulosa - very exciting find! Did you take any more photos?

At this point it is impossible to say whether this represents a locally established population or is simply an isolated vagrant, but either way it is extremely interesting. This is in fact the second unusual bug species to appear at Rainham during 2010 (Rhyparochromus vulgaris was recorded in June as new to Britain).

All the best
Tristan

Ukwildlifeo · #9 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 05:30 PM

ooo I thought it looked a bit off for a forest bug!

Ive only got one more head on. The top down ones were out of focus so I deleted them!

Klaas Reißmann · #10 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 05:58 PM

Hi aeshna,

believe me, that this nail was easy to hit. If Raphigaster nebulosa would be a common species of Britain, you would have done it, too, with no problems. It's like an ID for a male stag beetle.

And for the fact you didn't know this R. nebulosa you have been very well with your ID. You found the one that seems to be most similar to it, but you even found the characters that didn't match. In my mind your work was harder and worth more than mine.

Regards
Klaas