They are about half the size of a ladybug, I found them on my runner beans.
Location: London, England, UK
asked Aug 28, 2018 at 16:46
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1Do you have a worry about these beetles? They all are predators, not plant eaters. These beetles do what lady bugs do and that is work as a predator eating harmful insects...only some, I guess, bite. I've felt this. Ouch. I thought all Lady bugs bit. They will not hurt your plants whatsoever. They are a major benefit and are only temporarily visiting your property. They might overwinter in your attic (how smart is that)? This beetle looks like some 4 spotted species, not 2 nor 14. That is how far ranging this insect has become. Still a good guy.– stormyCommented Aug 29, 2018 at 1:28
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Are the leaves being eaten, and are there any eggs on the undersides of the leaves?– Graham ChiuCommented Aug 29, 2018 at 5:55
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2If there are no aphids, then I would worry it's some type of bean beetle which shred the leaves and eat the bean seeds– Graham ChiuCommented Aug 29, 2018 at 7:40
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2I think observation is required to see what they're eating. If you see them eating aphids then fine. But they are eating something.– Graham ChiuCommented Aug 29, 2018 at 9:08
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1I found this chap and some relatives on my French beans today!enter image description here!enter image description here– Martin PooleCommented Aug 31, 2018 at 5:24
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3 Answers
This is a nymph (pre-adult stage) of either a stink/shield bug or a soldier bug. Most likely on bean it is a stink bug, green stink bug (Nezara viridula). The difference for a gardener is important, stink bugs tend to be harmful, attacking the beans but soldier bugs are a beneficial insect, attacking other insects. Keep looking for adults, then you can identify the correct type of bug more easily.
answered Aug 29, 2018 at 10:13
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Now that this has been posted, I HAVE found the most similar picture yet: ipmguidelinesforgrains.com.au/pests/… I think you've got it. Commented Aug 29, 2018 at 12:03
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1britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/idcards/life_stages.html 3rd instar of Nezara viridula. Commented Aug 29, 2018 at 19:47
This beetle is the closest I could get for now. The dang name gave me a migraine! Propytea quatuordecimpunctator; the 14 spot Asian Lady Beetle.
https://www.jungledragon.com/image/4616/14-spot_ladybirds_mating.html
Here is one for a 2 spot ladybird...not bug, bird! Adalia bipunctata 2-spot lady bird
This is the pre adult stage of the brown marmorated stink bug I have them on my runner beans in Vancouver BC There is currently no control methods I squish them when I can
