Order Hemiptera - Suborder Heteroptera

• Shield Bug or Stink-bug
• Ground Bug
• Bedbug
• Masked Assassin Bug or Flybug
• Water Boatman
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Description. Adults about 12-14 mm long. Green in summer, except for the dark membranous tips of the forewings, but changes colour to brown in winter.

Biology. Survives the winter as an adult, emerging from hibernation in spring when it regains its green colour. Feeds on various plants and sucks the juices of fruits. This and other Shield Bugs are also known as Stink-bugs, because they produce an irritant, smelly defensive secretion from glands in the thorax when disturbed or handled.

Distribution. Most of Europe, including the British Isles, and extending to temperate parts of Asia and North Africa.

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Description. Up to 10 mm long. Brightly coloured greyish-black and red. This species is a member of the family Lygaeidae, but it is very similar in general body shape to many green and brownish plant bugs belonging to the same family and to the families Coreidae (Squash Bugs) and Miridae (Capsid Bugs). Many of these plant bugs are important crop pests.

Biology. Ground Bugs are often found living in moss and plant debris or under stones and low bushes. Nearly all are plant-feeders, sucking the juices from leaves, fruits and seeds.

Distribution. Throughout North America.

Photo: E.S. Ross ©

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Description. Up to 8 mm long, coloured reddish-brown and wingless, with a greatly flattened body.

Biology. Blood-sucking parasite of humans and also infests various domestic and zoo animals. The insects usually feed at night and hide in crevices or among bedding and clothing during the day. Although the Bedbug's bite can be very irritating and annoying, there is no evidence that it regularly transmits any diseases. The life cycle from egg to adult takes about 8 weeks, but may last much longer where conditions are unfavourable. The insects can survive several months without feeding.

Distribution. Cosmopolitan, associated with human habitation (for more information about bedbugs and their treatment go to: www.Bed-Bugs.co.uk).

Photo: V.J. Stanek ©

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Description. Adults about 15 mm long, dark brown in colour. The nymphs camouflage themselves with bits of debris and dirt, which sticks to adhesive hairs on their body surface (hence the reference to 'Masked' in the common name). Also known as the Flybug.

Biology. Lives in hollow tree trunks and also around human habitation, where it generally feeds on small insects, but it occasionally attacks humans and sucks blood, inflicting a painful bite. When disturbed it emits a shrill chirping noise. Several other Assassin Bugs also enter houses and often bite people. These include the Mexican or Big Bedbug (Triatoma sanguisuga) and the Kissing Bug (Melanolestes picipes). Some species found in South America and Asia transmit the human diseases known as Chagas and Kala-azar.

Distribution. Native of the British Isles and Europe, but has been imported into North America.

Photo: V.J. Stanek ©

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Description. Up to 10 mm long, brownish-black in colour. Hind legs flattened and hairy, modified as 'paddles' for swimming.

Biology. Largely herbivorous, feeding on plant debris and algae from the bottom of freshwater ponds and small lakes. They come to the surface periodically to breath and renew their air supply, which is carried as a bubble under the wings. Most species can fly well and frequently do so in search of new freshwater habitats. Males produce a 'courtship song' by rubbing their front legs against a ridge on each side of the head.

Distribution. British Isles, Europe, North Africa (very similar species occur worldwide).

Photo: R.E. Hutchins ©