Shieldbug

[fredg]

I spotted the large seed on this plant and began harvesting, ignoring the green leaves in my peripheral vision, until they started running (fast)

I managed to grab a piccy.

4th instar Palomena prasina - The Green Shieldbug ( yes it really is a bug)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RYiGWhX1A3sVAFKHS9knNpH3hDg9L2HuMDrWvJcBbm48tETcfUKDCo2LqPLfVdwXzb3kQRdHoS0DbP-9jdMJaHoEhwXI_6ViVZejAkl18-mK5umeC0pLk7VEkuCfcuAbKIjMaGj5pQ=w2400

https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/idcards/p_prasina.jpg

ID chart for anyone interested



https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/idcards/p_prasina.jpg

 

[Plant Heathen]

Interesting looking little bug. Do they eat plants?

 

[schmiggle]

Interesting looking little bug. Do they eat plants?

Usually yes. I think there are some predatory species but they're much rarer.

 

[fredg]

They're true bugs and as such they do not have chewing mouth parts so they don't actually eat the plants. They suck sap therefore more like a vampire. I find them regularly but I've never, to my knowledge, seen any damage they've caused.