Some new observations of True Bugs (Hemiptera) by lain Outlaw.
Stephanitis takeyi (Andromeda Lacebug)
On 29 June whilst working in the study at home, I noticed an insect moving slowly along the window sill. I put it in a glass tube and checked it under the microscope and discovered it was an Andromeda Lacebug. I recognized it immediately because it was a species I’d been looking out for. A month after the original find I hadn’t seen any more so gave the bush a tap on to a sheet and collected another three. Another week later a couple of nymphs were located by examining the underside of the leaves.
Update, September 2018: The numbers on the Pieris in my garden have increased dramatically. I did a quick count yesterday (03/09) but gave up when I reached 100. I also found it on Pieris japonica in the garden of Rosemary Guest House on Victoria Ave, Shanklin where the bush overhangs the pavement at SZ 56979 81215. I would not be surprised to find it wherever the primary host plant is.
Site: Hungerberry Close, Shanklin. Grid ref. : SZ 57171 80997
|
Date |
Qty |
Stage | Comment |
|
29/06/2018 |
11 |
Adult | Found one indoors so went to check the Pieris japonica bushes and found another ten. There were probably many more. |
|
28/07/2018 |
3 |
Adult | Beaten from Pieris japonica |
|
06/08/2018 |
2 |
Nymph | Pieris japonica examined and quickly located leaves showing signs of stress, two takeyi nymphs present on underside of one. |
|
07/08/2018 |
4 |
Mixed | 3 adults and 1 nymph |
Trigonotylus caelestialum
A single Trigonotylus caelestialum was collected from a moth trap in Shanklin on 26 July. Similar to Trigonotylus ruficornis but identified by the obvious white stripe on the first antennal segment (it probably won’t show up on this note but I have several good photos through the stereomicroscope).
Site: Hungerberry Close, Shanklin. Grid ref. : SZ 57142 80984
|
Date |
Qty |
Stage | Comment |
|
26/07/2018 |
1 |
Adult | Collected and examined. First antennal segment displays the characteristic red and white stripes of caelestialum. |
Tupiocoris rhododendri
Two were beaten from Rhododendron ponticum in Shanklin on 28 July. Superficially similar to Campyloneura virgula but the pronotum and scutellum are black and it has a distinctive white collar.
Site: Hungerberry Close, Shanklin. Grid ref. : SZ 57148 80978
|
Date |
Qty |
Stage | Comment |
|
28/07/2018 |
2 |
Adult | Beaten from Rhododenron ponticum at the back of the garden. Collected, examined and photographed. |
Alloeotomus gothicus
A single Alloeotomus gothicus was collected from a moth trap in Shanklin on 03 August. The trap was being operated in a private garden and within a few metres of a Scots Pine. A distinctive mirid that is readily identified.
Site: Vaughan Way, Shanklin. Grid ref. : SZ 58207 80536
|
Date |
Qty |
Stage | Comment |
|
03/08/2018 |
1 |
Adult | Moth trap by-catch. Specimen examined and shows mottling on the wings and is covered in obvious erect hairs. |
Alloeotomus gothicus
Iain Outlaw
07 August 2018
