The Birch Catkin Bugs (Kleidocerys resedae) have moved down in numbers from the surrounding birch trees to enjoy the last of the ripening raspberries. These small “stink bugs” release an unpleasant smelling secretion from their abdomens to make them less palatable to birds and other predators. Unfortunately this adds an unpleasant taste and smell to any raspberry that they come into contact with, so that is game over for my raspberries until next year.
These two were the first shield bugs of the season. On the left the Birch Shieldbug (#282), several of which have been blown out of the trees around the garden by the strong winds of the last couple of days. On the right a Red-legged Shieldbug (#292), this one saved from drowning in the paddling pool. These shield shaped bugs are also often called stink bugs as the smell bad when you squash them, and presumably they taste bad to birds as well. They're pretty bugs, but not especially a gardeners friend as they live by sucking the sap from plants and hence can become a pest, but I don't mind them...
Passionate about nature, based in Gloucestershire UK; this site is about creating a wildlife friendly family garden and exploring the diversity of animal & plant species that share it with us.
As a nature lover and wildlife gardener I started wondering about the biodiversity in my backyard and just how many species from plants to insects to birds to mammals might live in or visit it.
Much of the wildlife in my small, village garden has been present right under my nose for years without my really appreciating it, so on the way I am learning a lot about different species and how to make a wildlife-friendly environment for them; also getting engaged more in conservation activities around Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the Cotswolds.
My garden species tally started from zero on June 1st 2018, the target is 1000 species - let's see where it goes.
I'm very interested in your comments & advice: whether it's about the blog, some help with identification or just how to make my own little Eden better for wildlife. So please leave a comment or drop me a line if you feel like it!
Graham Tompsett
microedenproject@gmail.com
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