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Produce => Pests & Diseases => Topic started by: ajb on September 03, 2005, 20:32:29

Title: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: ajb on September 03, 2005, 20:32:29

Hi guys, can you identify this bug?

(http://www.readytogrow.co.uk/seeds/img/t/unknown_bug.jpg)

There were dozens on a red current that was also being feasted upon by sawfly larvea. I'm not sure, but I thought I saw one attack the larvae. If they are killing the sawfly 'pillers I'd like to nurture them, but suspect I'm just not that lucky!!

Thank you!
A.

Title: Re: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: tim on September 04, 2005, 09:31:34

A 'ladybeetle' surely?

But never seen those markings.

Title: Re: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: jennym on September 04, 2005, 22:47:16

Could be a harlequin ladybird, but I'm not sure. I was taught about it at college and evidently it's recently arrived in Britain and eats our ladybirds as well as other things. Pic is here@
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/jennympics/Harlequinladybirdvariationsincolour.jpg)

Title: Re: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: redimp on September 05, 2005, 21:11:11

Is it bigger than your average ladybird - if it is a harlequin it is notifiable as it eats our natives when it runs out of other food.

Title: Re: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: moonbells on September 05, 2005, 23:04:45

why not send the photo to Wisley's entomology dept? They are pretty good at replying!

moonbells

Title: Re: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: ajb on September 14, 2005, 19:20:19

Thanks for your replies! I don't think it is any kind of ladybird ... when i knocked it off it didn't make any attempt to fly. 

Moonbells: I'll see what Wisley have to say, thanks!

A.

Title: Re: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: Paulines7 on September 20, 2005, 09:46:25

Could it be the pied shieldbug nymph? 

 http://66.249.93.104/search?q=cache:0O4Yc5d3kqIJ:www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/bugs.html+redcurrant+beetles+ladybirds&hl=en

Title: Re: Can you identify this bug?
Post by: redimp on September 24, 2005, 10:59:05

Thanks for that link Pauline - I am a teacher near Horncastle so the runner of that site is local to me - and I will be teaching habitats in the Spring.  I think an e-mail asking about the prospect of a talk etc might be in order.  I hope he agrees - he sounds very interesting.