What's this insect?

Discussion on science, nature and technology across the globe.
Post Reply
hhinner
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts: 4288
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:17 pm

What's this insect?

Post by hhinner »

My wife discovered a horde of these insects circling on the sandwash around one of her trees. She thinks they were eating new leaf buds on the tree so they had to be eliminated. I'm just curious as to what they are. Some sort of shield bug? I couldn't easily find anything like it on the web. Does anybody know? Any danger of infestation?

The pic was taken using flash as it was getting dark at the time, so colours may not be natural.

Cheers.
Attachments
Insect on sandwash
Insect on sandwash
DSC04077.jpg (221.59 KiB) Viewed 3900 times
User avatar
Big Boy
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 44945
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:36 pm
Location: Bon Kai

Re: What's this insect?

Post by Big Boy »

My wife said a HUGE Thai word, that I won't even try to put into English. She then went on to say they give you a very nasty bite as they bite first, then urinate into the wound, which results in a huge swelling.

Personally, I've no idea if she's on a wind up or not.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Preston NE :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Points 41; Position 18
User avatar
Nereus
Hero
Hero
Posts: 10869
Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2007 3:01 pm
Location: Hua Hin and Bangkok

Re: What's this insect?

Post by Nereus »

It may be a "stink bug":

https://www.orkin.com/other/stink-bugs/

Halyomorpha halys

http://pestworldforkids.org/pest-guide/stink-bugs/
stink bug.jpg
stink bug.jpg (90.71 KiB) Viewed 3850 times
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
User avatar
Big Boy
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 44945
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:36 pm
Location: Bon Kai

Re: What's this insect?

Post by Big Boy »

I still haven't a clue, but Mrs BB says that's a Maeng Baw. Same bite/peeing traits etc, but different insect.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Preston NE :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Points 41; Position 18
hhinner
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts: 4288
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:17 pm

Re: What's this insect?

Post by hhinner »

Thanks Nereus. Yeah, I see that another name for shield bug is stink bug. So probably same family of bugs as Mrs BB's Maeng Baw. Not so brightly coloured though. Cheers.
User avatar
pharvey
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 13699
Joined: Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:21 am
Location: Sir Fynwy - God's Country

Re: What's this insect?

Post by pharvey »

Big Boy wrote: Mon May 08, 2017 7:13 pm they give you a very nasty bite as they bite first, then urinate into the wound, which results in a huge swelling.
A common trate in parts of St Pauls, Bristol and Tonypandy, Wales I hear! :wink:

Sorry - bad joke.... :oops:

:offtopic:

Seriously though, I'm sure I've seen similar markings on beetles whilst out in Africa and they are nasty buggers. A very painful bite and an acidic "spray" (possibly pee). Take the safe option and get someone in to get rid of them.

:cheers: :cheers:
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Post Reply