A Year in the Valley

A Year in the Valley

Discovering the flora and fauna in a small square of Portmellon Valley

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  • Bronze Shield bug – First Instar Nymph

    Bronze Shield bug – First Instar Nymph

    I thought this striking bug was a type of ladybird, but it turns out that it is another one of those instars.  It’s the first instar of the bronze shield bug, which due to its bronze colouring is quite difficult to spot.  This species is widespread but not common.

    The nymphs feed on plant sap and insects and are partial to caterpillars.  New adults normally emerge from July, overwinter as adults, and then mate the following spring.  So, it seems a bit late in the summer for a first instar, as we are told that there is only one generation per year.

    Daisy D

    30 August 2023
    Insects
    Bronze Shield Bug

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  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • Spotted in September
  • Spotted in August
  • Spotted in July
  • Spotted in June
  • Conclusions