Introduction to Shieldbugs and Leatherbugs

About the event

Shieldbugs and leatherbugs represent a small group of often very attractive insects that are easily identifed in the field with a little knowledge.

Both shieldbugs and leatherbugs belong to the Order Hemiptera and can be identified by their flat, shield-like bodies. Their mouth parts are modified into a long beak for sucking up plant sap and, although some can become pests of crops, most gardeners enjoy their presence.

Shieldbugs are also known as 'stink bugs' due to their ability to release a strong-smelling fluid when threatened. Leatherbugs, also known as 'squash bugs', are typically longer and more slender than shieldbugs.

Shieldbugs and leatherbugs exhibit incomplete metamorphosis, hatching from eggs as a smaller version of the adults and shedding their skins several times as they grow.

This course will begin in the classroom with an introduction to the many species of shieldbugs and leatherbugs to be found in the UK. You will learn more about their life cycles and how to identify them.

After lunch we shall search for and identify the several species of shieldbugs and leatherbugs that occur in the grounds of Tyland Barn.

By the end of the session it is expected that you will be able to:

1. Identify common shieldbugs & leatherbugs
2. Understand more about their lifecycles

Led by Gill and John Brook, Naturalists

Suitable for beginners and improvers

This study day may also provide the opportunity for those interested in furthering their study of shieldbugs and leatherbugs to become involved as recorders for the Atlas of Shieldbugs & allies of Kent.

Photo of Shieldbug Crucifer (Gill and John Brook)

For further information, please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website.