Allotments 4 All

I thought these were ladybirds, but apparently not.
Any ideas.

Are they harlequin beetles?  I'm sure there will be someone along soon who can confirm as I'm just guessing.  But I think they're not good if that's what they are.

I sent photos to the Harlequin study man and he said they weren't. :(

they look like a type of weevil to me (apple weevil??) not sure, but can you identify and 'damage' that might be occuring because of them - weevils tend to eat chunks out of leaves, and worse  :o

I'd post the photo to the RHS entomologist ( I think his name is Andrew Halstead) - he should be able to tell you!

moonbells

That seems a good idea. Do you have his e-mail address?

Oooh, let us know because I spotted lots of these on my Cleomes the other day & thought, "I must find out what these are"!

Googling entomologist got me to the Bug Club Forum. Someone had just asked the same question. Apparently they either are or are closely related to the Southern Green Shield Bug  (Nezara viridula).They are a green vegetable pest (and, for older readers,  they don't give stamps)

HI

The large green one is a squash bug.

They come in lots of different colours

http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/e-squashbugs.html

not sure about the other one.

c7

The little ones grow into the big ones.

Apparently they are often mistaken for squash bugs

http://www.gardensafari.net/english/shieldbugs.htm

I thought weevils were weevily recognised.... saying it with a lithp helps...
OK I'll get my coat...
;D

oh don't weev us  ;D

lovely photos though even if they are friend or foe

Quote from: Barnowl on October 06, 2006, 14:00:38
That seems a good idea. Do you have his e-mail address?

advisory@rhs.org.uk

moonbells

Well. should we squash the Squash Bug or leave them alone?

Thanks moonbells.  I've e-mailed the RHS  - let you know if I get a reply.

Mr Halstead of the NHS has kindly provided a definitive answer:

'The insects that you have found on your runner beans are immature nymphs of an insect commonly known as the southern green shield bug, Nezara viridula.  The adult insect is about 12mm in length, pale green in colour and has a shield-like shape when viewed from above.  The immature nymphs have a more rounded shape and vary in colour as they develop but have a series of white, pale yellow or pinkish spots that can cause them to be misidentified as ladybirds.  The southern green shield bug is a European insect that became established in Britain as a breeding insect during 2003.  It has now become established in several places, particularly in west London. 

This insect feeds on a wide range of plants that include vegetables, soft fruits and ornamental plants.  It has the potential to be a pest species as it feeds by sucking sap and heavy infestations can affect the growth of plants.  However, it does not seem to become abundant until very late in the growing season in Britain and this limits its ability to cause problems.  If we continue to have mild winters and hot summers the southern green shield bug may become more abundant earlier in the summer and then it may cause more harm.  If it is necessary to take control measures against this insect, you could spray the affected plants with a bifenthrin-based insecticide, such as Scotts Bug Clear, Sprayday Greenfly Killer Plus or Doff All In One Garden Pest Killer. 

This insect should not be confused with the native green shield bug, Palomena prasina, which also occurs in gardens but is generally not regarded as being a problem.  The immature nymphs of the native green shield bug do not have round spots but are pale green with black bars down the central line of the upper surface of the abdomen.  Adult native green shield bugs are pale green but have a distinctive blackish-brown area at the rear end of the body where the wing cases meet.'

wow, that was comprehensive & I've learned something new.  Glad my subs are going to good use   :)

Of the NHS???

Blimey, I knew they were into bug control but that's service beyond!

(Yes, I know, I'm teasing... but it's a fun typo...)

moonbells

I must have been reading the NHS thread in the watershed! I'll leave it unedited  :)

Thanks for that info. It explains why I have not seen them before - yet another new bug from abroad!! Found masses on the tomato plants on the allotment at the weekend.