Eysarcoris venustissimus

In a time of concern over insect populations here this summer, it was truly heartening to make this new discovery in our back garden today: some of the Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) plants we have encouraged in our back garden over the past few years were alive with young nymphs of, yes, that's right, the Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus).


In fact one of the stems was so replete with these bugs I found myself instinctively calling to mind a song by Burl Ives I recall from my childhood (see today's 'Extras') - although I would by no means agree these bugs are at all 'ugly'.