On Thu, 2 Sep 2004 10:10:46 +0200, Tim Challenger
wrote:

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.

Hi Tim,

these pictures were taken at (or beyond) the limits of my
camera, the background colour of the "beetle" is a pure, clean white,
the "shoulders" are a mid-brown lustre, and the other markings are
pure black. I don't suppose that this alters things much, but thought
I ought to present an accurate description.

--
Regards,

Will.