Here are a couple of youngsters I saw yesterday.
First a Common Green Shieldbug.
Looks to me to be a 5th instar, one stage away from being an adult:
There is a good set of illustrations showing the different growth stages of British shieldbugs on the BritishBugs site.
This is what it will look like when fully grown:
The other was a juvenile Goldfinch which is just beginning to get its colours:
Here is an adult in its full colour:
Have a great weekend observing the wildlife around you.
I would have said 4th instar but I am no expert. I know they turn brown in winter. It is an amazing world.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see whatever it's stage is...I have only seen one this year.
Adrian. I was doing a Dave over 4th and 5th but I had the advantage of seeing its size and it looked nearly full size so I plumped for 5th.
DeleteJohn, I have never, to my knowledge, seen a shield bug. Must say that I am not particularly bug-minded so would prefer to see one at a distance.
ReplyDeleteWeaver: They are quite small and pretty in their own way.
DeleteNice ones, John. We recently have seen 2 baby scorpions in the bathroom; I guess they wanted to get cleaned up. ;-) I captured them and put them outside. They are pretty cute when they're little.
ReplyDeleteWilma: Don't think I would like to come across scorpions indoors, no matter what size.
Delete...love that little goldfinch! Such a cutie!
ReplyDeleteKelly: The youngsters always are.
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