National Insect Week returns in 2020

True bugs

ORDER: HEMIPTERA

(Ancient Greek - hemi = half ; pteron = wing)

Feed on plant sap, using their specialised piercing, sucking mouthparts, can be large

Insects in this order

Common froghopper (spittle bug)
© Roger Key Philaenus spumarius spittle bug nymph True bugs have mouthparts that are specialized for piercing and sucking: most feed on plant juices though some are predators. They include plant-bugs, bed-bugs, water-boatmen, aphids, leafhoppers, froghoppers, and (in warmer climates) cicadas...
Common lime aphid
Aphids are plant feeding insects. Some aphids species feed on just one plant species, but others feed on several different plants or switch between plant species during successive lifecycle stages or annual seasons.
Green shieldbug
© Roger Key Green shieldbug Palomena prasina True bugs have mouthparts that are specialized for piercing and sucking: most feed on plant juices though some are predators. They include plant-bugs, bed-bugs, water-boatmen, aphids, leafhoppers, froghoppers, and (in warmer climates) cicadas...

What is National Insect Week?

National Insect Week encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects.

Every two years, the Royal Entomological Society organises the week, supported by a large number of partner organisations with interests in the science, natural history and conservation of insects.