what's the beastie

[ajmmac]

i tried to post this earlier but it doesn't seem to have appeared--apologies if it then comes up twice:
can anyone tell me what this beetle is--thanks
http://uk.geocities.com/ajmmacd/ photos.html

[ajmmac]

strange in a pickle--i tried the link myself with the photos .html bit and it worked--i noticed tho that when i pasted the addr in the in the addr bar it had a %20 in it--i deleted that and it worked--let me know if that works--thanks

[ajmmac]

re-posting the link
http://uk.geocities.com/ajmmacd/photos.html

[ajmmac]

just tried my re-post and it worked

[Cetti]

It's a Shield Bug, ajmmac.

I'll try and find out which one though, as there are loads of different types.

[Cetti]

It's called a Forest Bug. 12 - 15 mm.

An omnivorous insect taking sap from buds, leaves and fruits and also attacking other small insects. June - October.
Occurs on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs. Handsome little creature, isn't he?

[ajmmac]

big thanks to u both--pickle and cetti--this is a main rasberry/strawberry growing area in angus, scotland--lived here for 23yrs and first time i have seen one--and yes it is a good looker--will keep my eyes open too in future when at the berry picking, pickle--don't fancy one in my lunch--cheers

[Cetti]

Oh dear, IAP reminded me when he mentiond raspberries, I should have added ' takes sap from fruit' and common in orchards.

If you are a grower ajmmac, check to see if they harm the crop at all. Still think they are handsome though - love the broad shoulders....