Meet Heterotoma planicornis (Miridae), a tiny heteropteran bug about 4 mm long that feeds on various plants and trees, especially stinging nettles. With red eyes, green legs and huge antennae this is one of the weirdest insects I've ever photograp
Most people are familiar with cuckoo spit, the small blobs of frothy white foam you sometimes see on plants. This is produced by the larvae of frog hoppers. The adult bugs sometimes jump onto you and then ping off again. I am grateful to Dr Joe Bott
A ventral view of the frog hopper, Issus coleoptratus (Issidae)
The Green shieldbug, Palomino prasina (Pentatomidae), is very common in UK gardens. In this image, the micro sculpture of little pits on the surface show up clearly.
The ventral side of a Green shieldbug, Palomino prasina (Pentatomidae), clearly showing the rostrum that is an important characteristic of the hemipterans.
The Red-legged shieldbug, Pentatoma rufipes (Pentatomidae) is related to the Green shieldbug. Not often usually seen as they are arboreal and live up oak and elm trees. A lot of individuals of this species came to our moth trap one evening. Great
A dorsal view of the Red-legged shieldbug, Pentatoma rufipes (Pentatomidae).
This 7 mm long hemipteran bug is Rhopalus subrufus , (Rhopalidae). Common and widespread it can be found in woodland clearings and other scrubby places, where it feeds on a variety of plants.
A close up of Rhopalus subrufus , (Rhopalidae) showing the intricate pattern on its surface.
Nettle ground bugs, Heterogaster urticae (Lygaeidae) seem to like avoiding the cold weather by living in the tiny gaps around my windows.
A ventral view of a Nettle ground bug, Heterogaster urticae (Lygaeidae) showing the typical piercing mouthparts, known as the rostrum, that is characteristic of hemipterans.
The Dock bug, Coreus marginatus (Coreidae), can be found living on dock leaves. There are many similar types, but the two small projections between its antennae are definitive for this species. The entire surface is pebble-dashed with tiny bumps.
The ventral surface of the Dock bug, Coreus marginatus (Coreidae).
The Cinnamon bug, Corizus hyoscyami (Rhopalidae) is an hemipteran that feeds on a wide variety of plants. This rather hairy species has distinctive red and black markings and a network of fine veins on the forewings. It used to only occur on south
A ventral view of the Cinnamon bug, Corizus hyoscyami (Rhopalidae).
The Hairy shieldbug, Dolycoris baccarum (Pentatomidae). Similar to the more familiar Green shieldbug, but with hairs, three white bands on the antennae and a nice shade of lilac. Found along woodland edges.
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