good guy or bad guy

As he's not wearing a black or white hat I dont know if I should be killing these or not. I've seen a few in recent years, some kind of beetle, I think. Anyone else seen them or are they really common and I've not noticed them.

 

Great picture, shield bugs, and quite common. Not sure if they are a problem - I have them in my garden and I haven't had cause to suspect them of sufficient damage to worry about - unlike vine weevil

 

Thanks Fran

 

Pete, Agree with Fran i've got them as well, not personally you understand, kept an eye on them seem harmless,as i've always found them on leaves and they do slightly resemble a leaf whether they use this as a deterent from predators. can't really see a cause for concern but keep a look out,

Kind Regards Welsh Dragon.

 

P.S. Pete, It's a Green Shield Bug Fran's Right Always thought green shields were stamps but that's another story, Over wintering adults usually dull but bright green when newly emerged from hibernation in may, They are widespread Feed mainly on hazel but have been known to feed on other shrubs but then i've never had a problem.

Kind Regards Welsh Dragon.

 

We get them on the raspberry bushes at my mum's but don't seem to do any harm.

 

I think they like raspberries, as this one was near to a clump of canes.
Thanks all for the replies

 

Pete, One other thing they bite. I picked one up and put it on my arm for closer inspection. Any brave gardeners?

 

Right I'll remember that :eek:

 

They smell real bad when you squash them too, hence we used to call them "stink bugs" as kids.

 

You know I have only started seeing these the last few years unyet everyone else seems to have seen them around for years.

 

I am very glad to say that I have never seen one of these in Preston or in Manchester when I lived there. Maybe its that bit colder up here, you all seem to be more southerly than me.