Shield Stripes

Graphosoma italicum
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Graphosoma italicum is a shield bug. It's bold colours warn of foul taste, and few birds or other predators are likely to try to eat it. It measures 10mm, and can be seen from June-October, usually feeding on Umbellifer flowers. I took these photos in July last year and as you can see, they had laid their eggs on the flowers. There were dozens of these bugs, mostly mateing pairs, in fact I don't ever remember seeing so many.
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS

He's Got a Bad Reputation

The Green Stink-bug
Palomena prasina

Tiny Jewels

C Cerealis

Two Graphosoma italicum making out