Green Shield Bug

A 5th (final instar) Green Shield Bug on the garden Buddleia.

Green Shield Bug
final instar

Oblique Carpet

I returned home from work at 02:30 to discover a small Geometrid in the Skinner trap that I didn't recognize. It was potted for further study the following morning, and it turned out to be a complete surprise - Oblique Carpet !

It frequents bogs, fens and marshes, the larvae feeding on bedstraws. There are two generations: months 5/6 and 7/8.
There are only a handful of records in Bedfordshire, the last was in 1973 !

Oblique Carpet
Orthonama vittata

Oblique Carpet
Orthonama vittata

Ledra aurita

This distinctive leafhopper Ledra aurita was in the Skinner moth trap this morning. At 13-18mm it is the largest UK leafhopper, and shows a preference for lichen-covered oaks.

Ledra aurita