Species: Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae)
Family: Seed bugs (LYGAEIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: Widespread
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Seed bugs (LYGAEIDAE)
Seed bugs (or Milkweed bugs or Ground bugs) are small bugs that feed on seeds, sap or seed pods. Some are carnivores that feed on insects.
Members of this family of bugs have an oval body shape and four-segmented antennae. They differ from Plant bugs as they have simple eyes. They differ from quash bugs by the number of veins in the tissue of their front wings.
C. Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae)
Birch Catkin Bugs are found in the Northern Hemisphere. Adults of this species are smaller than many of the other species of bugs found in the Cemetery, being only 4 to 5 millimetres in length. They are rust-coloured, and adults have forewings that are largely transparent. They live on or around Silver Birch trees.
Adults overwinter and emerge to breed in early spring. Nymphs appear between March and September, there being several generations in a year.
Images
Birch Catkin Bug
Adult Birch Catkin Bugs overwinter and emerge to breed in early spring. Nymphs appear between March and September, there being several generations in a year.
(Photo credit: Stuart MA Ball.)
