Hemiptera

Acanthosomatidae

Birch Shieldbug, Elasmostethus interstinctus

The Acanthosomatidae are a family of shieldbugs, belonging to the order Hemiptera (the true bugs). This family includes around 54 genera and 200 species found in many parts of the world, with several species present in Europe and a few in the UK.

Anthocoridae

The Anthocoridae are a family of bugs commonly called minute pirate bugs or flower bugs. These are small 2-5mm in length predatory insects that feed on spider mites, and aphids.

Aphrophoridae

A family of Homopteran bugs known as spittlebugs due the nymphs which surround themselves in a froth of plant sap commonly called "cuckoo spit".

Cercopidae

Red and Black Froghopper - cercopis vulnerata

The Cercopidae are a large family of Hemipteran bugs, commonly known as froghoppers or spittlebugs. These insects are found worldwide, with many species living in Europe and the UK. They get their common name from the froglike shape and jumping ability of the adults, which can leap many times their own body length.

Cicadellidae

The Cicadellidae are a large family of plant-feeding bugs commonly known as leafhoppers. They belong to the order Hemiptera and are among the most abundant and diverse groups of insects, with over 20,000 known species found worldwide. Many species occur in the UK, where they are widespread in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges.