| 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 Bronze
Shieldbug (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. |
