Topic: Bug Id Please

[MonsterMum]

Can anybody tell me what this is, please?  I have several of them on my nicotiana but I don't think anywhere else.

He is about 1cm long and 0.5cm across, exc legs and antennae

[Curryandchips]

Don't know what they are called, but they are very common.

[angle shades]

it's a Shieldbug, I don't think it will eat your nicotiana, but don't quote me ;D/shades x

[Robert_Brenchley]

That looks like the introduced Southern Green Shield Bug; it's not been a problem so far but might bear observation.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0900/green_shield_bug.asp

[Roy Bham UK]

I think another name is the "stink bug" as I found out when my grandson (who loves bugs) picked one of these up and it excreted something onto his hand, I realised this when he got into my car and it wreaked. :o :P >:( :D ;D :'(

[Robert_Brenchley]

Different insect from the one I thought, but very similar in appearance.

http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/animals/species/3875.html

[saddad]

That link has just moved them onto my squish list.... had been tolerating them as wasn't aware they were causing damage!
 >:(

[MonsterMum]

Me too saddad.  I did wonder as there are some small holes in the lower leaves of my nicotiana but decided that these hadn't caused them

[Roy Bham UK]

According to Roberts first link, they are not a problem and you will regret squishing them between your fingers as the pong will linger :o ;D

Control

The native common green shield bug is harmless so control measures are not required. If the southern green shield bug becomes a problem it may be necessary to spray with bifenthrin (Bayer Sprayday Greenfly Killer Plus, Scotts Bug Clear, Doff All in One Garden Pest Killer) but check the instructions to make sure that the type of edible plant you are spraying can be treated with this pesticide.

[Robert_Brenchley]

That's probably one way of distinguishing between the two possibilities I posted; one pongs, the other may well not. I never squash these; if it's not doing significant damage, I just don't bother. It's all food for pedators, and I definitely want to encourage those!