There were 3 of them in close proximity to each other. Never seen anything like them before. Any ideas?
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z220/lillymoon_photos/Picture.jpg)
Sorry its not very clear.
Alien ladybird? I have no idea, sorry!! ::) Were they capable of flying?
it is a sheep taken with a satellite camera in outer space - for google earth ;D
I had lots last year & had thought they were adult flea beetle - but have just googled it & appear to be incorrect. You only see them on plants that are struggling... cause or symptom?
Hmmm, there's the dilemma Ollie. I dont know wether to squish 'em or leave 'em.
They did, im sure have wings Debs.
Calendula.........I think you got it there! Where's the sheepdog ;D ;D ;D Now do I squish 'em or herd 'em?
Boring compared to aliens but I've e-mailed the picture to the RHS. Will let you know if there is a response.
Quote from: star on June 26, 2008, 23:48:19
There were 3 of them in close proximity to each other. Never seen anything like them before. Any ideas?
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z220/lillymoon_photos/Picture.jpg)
Sorry its not very clear.
I cant tell if it has legs or anything does it look like some sort of beetle?
?
Isn't that a Harlequin, Tim?
The head looks just like a ladybird. I tried googling uk ladybirds and didn't realise that there were so many types. None identical to that though, although some similar -
http://www.ladybird-survey.org/UKladybirds/UKladybirds.htm
http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/londonla.htm#atypica
http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm#
The white triangle on the head suggests a Harlequin, but rest doesn't fit.
I thought it looked like a beetle (not the driving kind)
Onymacris candidipennis
but that's not right really either from the pics I've looked at - intriguing
Mine were mostly on the ground - I assume yours are too? In which case it doesn't fit with a ladybird...
I had some similar on a Clematis which had mildrew in late summer i can't find the site where I identified but they eat mildrew not aphids hence you may find them on plants that aren't thriving.
Try this site for some similar http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/beetle3.htm
Ladybirds that lack pigmentation do exist.
(http://www.celticbug.com/Real/WhiteBeetle.jpg)
from here:
http://www.celticbug.com/Real/Bugs4.html
is it a ladybird pupa ?, I found one today, on the internet they are orange, could it be one of them ?
Whatever they are you can keep them thanks. I have enough bugs of my own to contend with. ;D
I found out what they are! Thanks to a wildlife forum who identified it as a pied shieldbug.
http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/idcards/life_stages.html
I didnt realise there were so many changes one insect went through. Thanks for all your input ;)
Blimey! I didn't realise they went through so many 'incarnations'...... :o
These do because they have 'incomplete metamorphosis'. The egg hatches into a nymph, and each time it sheds its skin, it comes out looking a little more like an adult. That contrasts with most inects, which have 'complete metamorphosis'. The egg hatches into a larva, which grows, but goes on looking very much the same otherwise. It then pupates, and there's a major change into the adult form.
Am I right in thinking that native shield bugs are friends not foes?
The (foreign) Southern Green shield bug larva is an enemy but haven't yet seen any this year.
.....if these beetles have to go through so many incarnations to reach adulthood - do you think Dr. Who is almost there now too............? Just a thought.
twinkletoes
Confirmation from RHS:
"The insect that you have found in your garden is the immature nymph of a native shield bug. It is not possible to determine the exact species from nymphal stage. The nymphs of the non-native southern green shield bug have a more rounded shape and vary in colour as they develop but have a series of white, pale yellow or pinkish spots that distinguishes them from native species. Although most of our native shield bugs feed on plants none are considered plant pests as they do not damage garden plants. "
Thanks Barnowl, next time we see them they will look different. I guess they have permission to stay, I have never known any shield bug to cause serious damage.
The Southern Green Shield Bugs larvae do some damage, but they're not native, We had a lot two years ago, but conducted an aggressive squishing campaign and didn't seen any last year.
Southern Green shield bug larva...
[attachment=1][attachment=2]
Oh thanks Barnowl, I will keep an eye out for those then. Thankfully I have not seen any in my own garden up to now.