The MGS Forum

Gardening in mediterranean climates => Pests and diseases => Topic started by: Hilary on November 12, 2012, 10:43:38 PM

Title: unknown insect
Post by: Hilary on November 12, 2012, 10:43:38 PM

Does anyone recognize this insect?
It might have come into the house with the firewood or a hothouse cyclamen.
Sorry the photo is so fuzzy.
The insect was the size of a lentil
Hilary

Title: Re: unknown insect
Post by: David Bracey on November 13, 2012, 09:44:07 AM

Hilary your pic is too fuzzy, do you have another or did your insect fly away.?

Title: Re: unknown insect
Post by: Hilary on November 17, 2012, 08:09:23 PM

A new photo of the dried up dead insect.

Thanks for your interest
Hilary

Title: Re: unknown insect
Post by: MikeHardman on November 21, 2012, 12:29:09 AM

Hilary,

It is the nymph of a true bug (Hemiptera), probably a shield bug (Pentatomidae).

Have a look at this one (http://www.ecocharlie.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Troilus-luridus.jpg) for comparison: you can see some similar features, eg. the partially developed wings.
There are lots of species of shield bug, and the adults can be tricky enough to identify, let alone the nymphs (of which each species have several nymphal stages (instars)).

Refs:
- the main types of Hemiptera (true bugs) (http://www.insectsexplained.com/06Hemiptera.htm)
- excellent annotated photographs (http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/bug_bits.html)

Title: Re: unknown insect
Post by: John on November 23, 2012, 10:54:44 PM

Cute

Title: Re: unknown insect
Post by: Hilary on November 25, 2012, 06:15:16 PM

Wonderful.
Now I have plenty to read.
I had a nasty insect bite but it doesn't look as if this was the culprit.
Many thanks for the information.
Hilary