Monday 9 August 2010

Bug

This morning's short walk into town (to return my library book), took us, as usual, along the footpath around the industrial estate, then up, past Victoria Park. Coming back home, I spotted this little insect crawling along the footpath. A Common Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina).  Here, sitting on my thumb.
The adult bug lays it's eggs on the underside of leaves, followed by the larvae which feed on the sap of the leaves. Later in the year, the larvae change into adults which also feed on sap. Before hibernation, in the Autumn, the adults begin to turn a darker colour, from the bright green of Summer, to brown.
A charming little insect, I think you'll agree..

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