| 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. Troilus
luridus is fairly common and regular around Sherwood
Forest. It has been recorded several times from Lound
Wood at Eakring and can be recognised by the small,
yellow band on the antennae. The nymphs are expecially
colourful, showing a range of metallic colourations and
also have the yellow band on the antennae. |