| A common
group of insects are Shieldbugs, named after their
heraldic shield-like shape and belonging to the
order Hemiptera. They frequent
most types of vegetation and although most feed on their
foliage and berries etc, some species are carnivorous.
Shieldbugs go through several stages of growth called
nymphs, which are as frequently found as the adults and a
few species exhibit brood care. Shieldbugs are also
fairly regular visitors to MV moth traps. The Red-legged
Shieldbug (formerly Forest Bug) is one such species and
we regularly record it during moth-trapping sessions at
Eakring and at Sherwood Forest CP. Adults can be found on
low-growing plants along woodland rides during the day. |
