GREEN SHIELDBUG (Palomena prasina) Lullymore West Bog, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

 

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The Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) or Green Stink Bug is of the family Pentatomidae which is in the genus Palomena. Shieldbugs go through five instar stages before becoming adults. In spring, separate with care from the Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus) which has fully red antennae compared to this species where only the two outer segments of the antennae are red .

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GORSE SHIELDBUG (Piezodorus lituratus) Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus) is of the family Pentatomidae which is in the genus Piezodorus.This species is found in most of the temperate regions of North America, Europe, Northern Asia and parts of Africa. It mainly occurs on Common Gorse (ulex europeaus), Common Broom (Sarothamnus scoparius) as well as various legumes (Fabaceae). There are two colour forms, green when it emerges from hibernation in late spring, having overwintered as an adult. The next generation appear in summer and following five instar stages, become green adults with purple red bar markings on the upper parts. In spring, its fully red antennae help separate from the very similar Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) which has partially red antennae.   

 

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VIVIPAROUS LIZARD or COMMON LIZARD (Zootoca vivipara) Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) or Common Lizard is of the family Lacertidae which is in the genus Zootoca. This viviparous reptile gives birth to live young, which is an adaptation that enables it to breed in colder regions where it hibernates for the winter. In the warmer parts of its range, it is oviparous or egg laying like other species of lizards and is active year round.

 

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 Distribution map of Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

EUROPEAN COMMON FROG (Orthetrum cancellatum) Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The European Common Frog (Rana temporaria) or Common Frog is of the family Ranidae which is in the genus Rana.

RED CAMPION WILDFLOWER (Silene dioica) Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Red Campion Wildflower (Silene dioica) is of the family Caryophyllaceae which is in the genus Silene.

GREEN VEINED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris napi) nectaring on Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) at Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Green-veined White Butterfly (Pieris napi) is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Pieris. It commonly occurs in Eurasia as well as North America. This species is on the wing from March to October, over several generations, but in Ireland the normal flight season extends from mid April to mid September. It hibernates during the winter as a chrysalis.

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COMMON SNOUT HOVERFLY (Rhingia campestris) female, Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Common Snout Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris) is of the family Syrphidae which is in the genus Rhingia. It commonly occurs in the Palaearctic region. The flight season is from late March to mid November and there are two generations. This is a very striking species with a long snout and its larvae are found in dung or silage.

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Reference and highly recommended reading:

Britain's Hoverflies A field guide 2nd edition Stuart Ball and Roger Morris

CRYPTIC WOOD WHITE BUTTERFLY (Leptidea juvernica) Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Cryptic Wood White Butterfly (Leptidea juvernica) is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Leptidea.

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) male Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) is of the family Coenagrionidae which is in the genus Pyrrhosoma. It is commonly found in Europe, smaller populations occur in northern Africa and western Asia. It is on the wing from April to early September.

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GORSE WEEVIL or GORSE SEED WEEVIL (Exapion ulicis) Girley Bog, Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Scurlockstown, Co. Meath, Ireland

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The Gorse Weevil (Exapion ulicis) or Gorse Seed Weevil is of the family Brentidae which is in the genus Exapion.