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There were 3 of them in close proximity to each other. Never seen anything like them before. Any ideas?



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?



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.

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.