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Introduction to Shieldbugs and Leatherbugs

Introduction to Shieldbugs and Leatherbugs

13th September 2025

Find out how to identify shieldbugs and leatherbugs, where to find them, and learn about their life cycles About the event Shieldbugs and leatherbugs represent a small group of often very attractive insects that are easily identifed in the field with a little knowledge. Both shieldbugs and leatherbugs belong to the Order Hemiptera and can be identified by their flat, shield-like bodies. Their mouth parts are modified into a long beak for sucking up plant sap and, although some can become pests of crops, most gardeners enjoy their presence. Shieldbugs are also known as 'stink bugs' due to their ability to release a strong-smelling fluid when threatened. Leatherbugs, also known as 'squash bugs', are typically longer and more slender than shieldbugs. Shieldbugs and leatherbugs exhibit incomplete metamorphosis, hatching from eggs as a smaller version of the adults and shedding their skins several times as they grow. This course will begin in the classroom with an introduction to the many species of shieldbugs and leatherbugs to be found in the UK. You will learn more about their life cycles and how to identify them. After lunch we shall search for and identify the several species of shieldbugs and leatherbugs that occur in the grounds of Tyland Barn. By the end of the session it is expected that you will be able to: - Identify common shieldbugs & leatherbugs - Understand more about their lifecycles Led by Gill and John Brook, Naturalists Suitable for beginners and improvers This study day may also provide the opportunity for those interested in furthering their study of shieldbugs and leatherbugs to become involved as recorders for the Atlas of Shieldbugs & allies of Kent.

Tickets and Pricing

Normal fee: £37.50 per person per day. Concessionary fee: Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers, senior citizens, unemployed and students £5 off.

Location

Open Map

Address

Introduction to Shieldbugs and Leatherbugs Sandling
ME14 3BD

Contact

study.days@kentwildlife.org.uk 01622 662012

Links

Website

Accessible parking

Accessible toilets

Free car parking