Shieldbugs

[htcdude]

Hi all,

I was wondering if someone could tell me what the easiest way to find various species of Shieldbug would be? I want to trysee as many different species this Spring in my local area. I'm in Hayes, Middlesex, but what type of habitat should I look for, and what do you think I could see near my area?

Thanks,

Nige

[nightshade]

The clue is in their names; Hawthorn Shield Bug and so on, they always seem to come to me though

[Wild-Woman]

Lots of different habitats, low herbage, shrubs, trees, hedges.
If you really get into them, can I recommend a brilliant field guide called- A Photographic Guide to the Shieldbugs and Squashbugs of the British Isles. Authors Martin Evans and Roger Edmondson.
ISBN 0-9549506-0-7

The nymphal stages and adults are shown in great photographs.

[htcdude]

Thanks for that W-W, will look into getting that I think

What time of year will they start to come out?

And are there any species that I would have trouble finding around my area (Greater London say)?

Thanks,

Nige

[Wild-Woman]

To be honest with you, I should think you would have a good chance of finding any of the commoner species where you are, provided you have gardens, green areas, woods, fields, parks and wasteland. This time of year, some adults of some species are darker and over-winter like this. So it's possible to come across hibernating ones. Spring to autumn is a good time and it's a good idea to get to know the nymphs as they can look quite different from the adults.
Sometimes you can be staring a leaf and it takes a minute or two to spot some of the green ones as they are so well camouflaged. Turn leaves over and check underneath too. Good luck with your hunting- show us what you turn up.

[htcdude]

Brilliant thanks for that.

Last year I wasn't really into bugs and didn't deliberatly search for them but got Green, Forest, Birch and Hawthorn Shieldbugs.. Hopefully a few more this year now I'll be looking for them!

Thanks again

Nige

[Acutipuerilis]

You're in a good area for them, but there are only a few others you're likely to find relatively easily - the majority will take dedication! Look on planted junipers for the Juniper Shieldbug, and hedgerows for Picromerus bidens. Birch and alder should supply the Parent Bug. Troilus luridus is harder to find, but turns up on a wide range of trees. Lots of wayside vegetation will quite commonly turn up the Hairy Shieldbug, Dolycoris baccarum, as well as things like the Mitre Bug, Tortoise Bug and Turtle Bug. Should be enough to get you started! Many of the remainder are tricky to find, or extremely rare - for example, the Cornish Shieldbug is only found at Sennen Cove.

One other thing - you'll have a lot more luck in mid-late summer, as many species will only be around as nymphs before then. Good luck!
Joe

[htcdude]

Will bear that in mind thanks! Looking back, the 4 I did see last year were in July But will hunt throughout the year and see what turns up!

Nige

[Paul mabbott]

[quote=Wild-Woman;731608]Lots of different habitats, low herbage, shrubs, trees, hedges.
If you really get into them, can I recommend a brilliant field guide called- A Photographic Guide to the Shieldbugs and Squashbugs of the British Isles. Authors Martin Evans and Roger Edmondson.
.........QUOTE]
Another very good book for you would be Roger Hawkins Shieldbugs of Surrey obtainable from SWT — Atlas Series
The book was comprehensive when published, has illustrations and info on all the shieldbugs and relatives of Surrey - being just over the River that is almost the same as Middlesex!
PS the rest of the series of Surrey atlases are also very good and relevent to anyone in Middlesex or elsewhere in SE England.

[htcdude]

Thanks Paul will check that out too