Colourful shield bug - Parent bug?

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

Several of these along the fence on Thurs afternoon. I think they are parent bugs but would appreciate confirmation (or otherwise).



Bruce

[Jason Claxton]

Hi Bruce

Yes ,Parent Bug looks good to me.

[Acutipuerilis]

Yes indeedy.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help Jason and Joe.

I'm guessing this must be an adult from this year's brood that will overwinter before breeding (is this the case?).

Also I wonder if it's possible to identify gender with this species?

Bruce

[Acutipuerilis]

I reckon that's a good bet, Bruce - either that or someone has been out polishing the local wildlife.

You can certainly tell whether it's male or female, but you'll need to turn it over first. And she/he might consider it an intrusion of privacy.

[Bruce Williams]

Take your point Joe .

You know stupidly I hadn't considered the pristine condition of the bug as an indicator of age, I was just thinking about the time of year. So are there still adults around that were born last year? If so I imagine (as you implied) they'll be showing obvious signs of a lifetime of knocks and scrapes.

Bruce

[Acutipuerilis]

You wouldn't expect to see any of last year's still about, so yes, the season is a very good indication in itself - although I guess it's possible that a few are clingin on. But combined with the shininess, I'd say it was categorical.