Beetle

[Kozmic Blues]

What type of beetle is this? Came home on some new furniture from the DIY store.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/fitzer0 6/DSC01199.jpg

*Kozmic*

[Cetti]

No need to panic, it has just hitched a ride from the hedgerows, that's all. The great picture has made it much easier to identify.

If my book is correct then the passenger is a Sloe Bug. It's a type of shield bug that is widespread and common in Britain. Associated with blackthorn and other hedgerow shrubs and feeds on sloe and other berries.

[Kozmic Blues]

Thanks Cetti, does it just feed on sloe and berries? or does it also eat plants?

[Athley]

Says it feeds on various herbaceous shrubs in my Field Guide to Wildlife of GB and Europe.

I have seen a green version of your beetle in my garden in the summer mostly - looks like a tiny leaf. Quite cute. If I see one on the window or in the house I always put it out on a leaf where it's disguised really well.

What have you done with your beetle?

Nice photo Kozmic!

:o)

[Kozmic Blues]

Well, my mother wanted to squash it she first said it's a vine weevil. She still wasn't convinced, so I decided to ask you guys before it went down the toilet. It is stuck under a glass at present as I'm not too fond of beetles, but still would not kill one. I will set it free tomorrow.

Thanks everyone!!

P.s. Athley is this what you have seen? Birch Shieldbug Elasmostethus interstinctus, also part of the shieldbug family.

http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?s=fd87 b23a57a4eacda27db69c45262657&attachmentid=1234 9

[Athley]

Sorry no Kozmic my summer green beetles are totally green with no other colours on them.

Glad you didn't flush yours down the loo.

Funny you're not setting it fee til the morning - do you think it's may be afraid of the dark - he he! (or are you a bit attached to it now??)

ps If you leave it under the glass all night it will probably suffocate to death. eek!

:o) Happy beetling!

[Cetti]

No, it's not a Vine Weevil, but I must admit that was my first thought before looking for the right ID. It was the snout that 'shouted 'veevil' at me.

Shows how wrong you can be, doesn't it?

[Athley]

Palomena prasina's the one I always see in my garden. Just googled the little guy!!

[Kozmic Blues]

Athley, I sort of like it a little, but I'm just too cosy to go out in the ((cold)) to set it free. The poor thing will just have to wait, hope it survives I will make it more comfortable.

Cetti, I suppose when you see the snout part you do start to think weevil. But when you are actually looking at it, it is pretty flat and there are just two main body parts.

P.s. Athley would love to see some pic's

[Athley]

Hi Kozmic

hope you get the link it is:

http://www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk/resources/ buzz_shieldbug.pdf


Very very similar to the one you sent me seem to be the same family of shield beetles. Mine is also known as the stink beetle and pongs a bit if disturbed. Havn't noticed that but usually wash my hands straight away after putting in the garden.

:o)

[Athley]

Should be a dot after shieldbug

[Kozmic Blues]

Thanks for sharing your beetle facts with me, the are really quiet interesting little creatures aren't they. There are so many different types/species, all with different patterns/camouflage amazing lol... Sorry I'm getting a bit carried away la la la... anyway thanks!!

I found some info when i took the ('s) off the end of Palomena prasina's, when searching in Google. Doh

*Kozmic*