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Gorse shieldbug Wix.jpg

Gorse Shieldbug -Piezodorous lituratus
One of the earliest of the shieldbugs to appear each year, usually in March, this can be difficult to find as it blends in well with the gorse and broom that it lives on.
Luckily it has a bright glossy appearance which is the easiest way to spot them.

Bugs are in the Class Insecta, but differ from other insects by being in the order Hemiptera. They are then classed as True Bugs.

True bugs have mouths shaped like a straw or needle, called a stylet, enabling them to suck juices from plants, other insects or animals. The stylets are rigid unlike the butterflies or honey bees proboscis which coil up when not in use. They have no chewing parts.

Unlike beetles the forewings of a bug are hardened and taper out towards the back. The hind wings are usually clear and tucked under the forewings.

AY4A7818.JPG

Picromerus bidens Now commonly called the Spiked Shieldbug.

Seen here mating whilst one of them takes the opportunity of feeding on an unwary caterpillar that came along.

The stylet shows up well.

Bronze Shieldbug - Troilus lurudus

They feed on plants and caterpillars. Note the orange band on the antenna, only one on this specimen.

Troilus luridus 0001 (FILEminimizer) WIX.jpg
Troilus luridus 0002 (FILEminimizer) WIX.jpg
Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug - Aelia acuminata 0001 (FILEminimizer) WIX.jpg

Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug

This shouldn't be confused with other Shieldbugs due to its shape.

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