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Is this a moth?

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Aaron Johnston, Jun 4, 2022.

  1. Aaron Johnston

    Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

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    Spotted this on my swiss chard this morning. Image taken through a mesh net ironically. Not sure how it got there. Anyone identify for me?

    IMG_20220604_101304.jpg
     
  2. Janet mahay

    Janet mahay Gardener

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    Hi swiss chard is not only good for you but delicious so its not surprising insects love it to
    the pic is not to clear as you mentioned its under netting but it looks a bit like a lygus bug
    But not 100%sure but if a insect wonts to get to a plant it seems they will find away netting or no netting
     
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      Last edited: Jun 5, 2022
    • NigelJ

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      @Aaron Johnston
      If you could get an in-focus closer photograph it would help.
      I'm not sure it is a Lygus bug as these are mainly a North American species, there are two commomly found in Europe, "The Tarnished Plant Bug" and "Lygus pratensis" the rear end just doesn't look right. See here for info and pictures (UK) Tarnished Plant Bug | NatureSpot
      Collins Guide to Insects of Britain and Western Europe is a good book to have around.
      Is it a moth? quite possibly as there are more moths than butterflies.
      If there is just one and no larvae on the leaves it's unlikely to be a problem.
       
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      • Janet mahay

        Janet mahay Gardener

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        Hi Nigel I agree lygus bug more in USA but lately some insects that never originated in Britain have been seen in England so you never know but like I said I am not sure but as you said if there is just one and no larvae on the leaves it's unlikely to be a problem. So Arron you need really to have a close look
         
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        • Aaron Johnston

          Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

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          Thank you for the replies everyone. Unfortunately I never took the netting off to get a photo and this is the only one I have. A friend told me this could be a shield bug also. As always with these not so common ones it's hard to identify. Was exciting to see it and I don't think it was causing any harm. However the juvenile earwigs are attacking my Swiss Chard at night time. I think they are hiding in between the membrane and the wood on on my raised bed during the day.
           
        • Janet mahay

          Janet mahay Gardener

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          • Aaron Johnston

            Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

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