Shieldbugs can often be found around the reserve. There are several species, with some very colourful and beautifully patterned examples.

The tell tale sign that a bug is a shieldbug is its shape: they are large and flat like a shield. They are also known as stinkbugs as they can release a horrible smell from scent glands on their thorax (the large body section between the head and abdomen).

 

This particular shieldbug is a forest bug (Pentatoma rufipes). It’s not quite in its adult form but is what is known as a final instar nymph. Instar just means the stages of development an insect goes through. These stages are normally defined by moulting.

Bye for now,

Rhian – Seasonal Ranger