From this angle the articulated rostrum, used for puncturing plant stems and sucking out plant juices, is clearly visible, along with the distinctive row of spiracles along the edge of the abdomen.
Click here for pictures of another species, the red-legged shieldbug
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I've not seen a shield bug yet this year, Phil, but photographed a few last year and am looking forward to finding more this year.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post, which had me looking up 'rostrum' in this context. So even for a brief post, it had its educational value too!
Many thanks and best wishes - Richard
Interesting insects, aren't they? I find the Field Studies Council fold-out ID guide really useful for putting names to them.Thanks for the kind words. Best wishes, Phil
DeleteGreat shot of the Shield bug, did not think it would be warm enough, I know so little. Started on my Bug list this week was happy finding a Flat-backed millipede, never knew they even existed...
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda, I actually saw this one fly in and land - the first time I've ever seen a shieldbug flying.
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