| 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 Pied
Shieldbug is a well-marked species, which is uncommon at
Eakring. Good numbers have been found at roadside
locations in Mansfield Woodhouse on White Dead Nettle Lamium
album, where it eats the seeds. |