Day 8 - The Shieldbug - 30 Days Wild 2017

Day 8: Star Species

Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina)

This time every year my garden is full of these lovely bugs; they spent most of the time mating in bushes throughout the garden. I love watching them (that sounds odd, sorry) and taking pics of them, they are also fascinating creatures. 

More about them - Coming soon...

Shieldbug eggs

Interesting Facts:

• It is often called the Green Stink Bug - it produces a foul smelling liquid when in danger and only has a few natural enemies.
• They mate by contacting their rears together .
• It's hard to tell the difference between the males and females
• In Mexico they are eaten both live and cooked - their pungent odour gives a dish an aromatic flavour. (yuk!)

Day 4 - The Small Magpie - 30 Days Wild 2017

Day 4: Star Species

Small Magpie (Anania hortulata)

Dicovered a small moth in the garden today, did a bit of research and discovered it is called the 'small magpie' moth. 

More about them - There are 2 magpie moths in the UK. The one I spotted is the 'small magpie' which is classed as a micro moth. It's common in Southern England and Wales, although it is the first time I have spotted one in my garden. A day flying moth that spends a lot of it's time in nettles and mint plants.

Interesting Facts:

• The small magpie moth gets its name from the black and white markings on the wings.
• The caterpillars remain hidden from predators by feeding inside a rolled up leaf.