On Thu, 2 Sep 2004 09:04:45 +0100, BAC wrote:

"Tim Challenger" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 01 Sep 2004 18:50:34 GMT, Will wrote:

Hi,

Whilst digging some potatoes this afternoon, I spied a hitherto
unseen (by me!) beetle. I've put a small (15K) picture up on
www.mole-end-cottage.co.uk/beetle/beetle2.jpg anyone any idea? It is
about the size of a large ladybird...
It's definitely a (shield)bug nymph (Hemiptera: heteroptera) and not a
beetle.
Palomena prasina?
http://www.inra.fr/Internet/Produits...ES/7033522.jpg


I agree it's almost certainly a shield bug nymph, resembling a beetle, and
the markings are similar to the common green shieldbug nymph you suggest,
but p prasina nymphs are usually green with black markings, and the specimen
on the photo posted didn't look green to me, although, obviously, the
markings are spot on. I can't suggest a closer match :-)

It's a sort of turquoise colour really, isn't it? I've had quite a few in
my garden and they are quite variable. I suppose depending on age and
lighting. Will's picture captures the colour I usually see quite well.
Assuming it *is* a P. prasina of course.

A trip to the local bookshop and browse through the insect identification
books might be in order.

--
Tim C.