Tristan Bantock
@britishbugs.bsky.social
Ecologist/Entomologist
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
This is the height of ecological illiteracy and shows how wannabe zookeepers have taken over UK nature conservation. Evidence for native status of these species is incredibly tenuous; releasing them into one of our most ancient & irreplaceable ecosystems would be crazy.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Three frogs to be reintroduced to West Acre 'pingos'
The money will be spent on breeding thousands of frogs and managing their release in 2026.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 8:50 PM
This is the height of ecological illiteracy and shows how wannabe zookeepers have taken over UK nature conservation. Evidence for native status of these species is incredibly tenuous; releasing them into one of our most ancient & irreplaceable ecosystems would be crazy.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
10 years ago today I looked in the moth trap and saw the critter in the first photo. I actually potted it, threw it back in the trap, then re-potted it after having second thoughts! Three days later I had another! (2nd photo). Mecidea lindbergi, 1st UK record, ID'd by @britishbugs.bsky.social
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 PM
10 years ago today I looked in the moth trap and saw the critter in the first photo. I actually potted it, threw it back in the trap, then re-potted it after having second thoughts! Three days later I had another! (2nd photo). Mecidea lindbergi, 1st UK record, ID'd by @britishbugs.bsky.social
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Found a leafhopper in the bedroom window on Thursday and it appears to be a Acericerus heydenii - a recent arrival in the UK (2010) and appears to be spreading. We've seen just one before - in South Bucks. @rockwolf74.bsky.social
December 13, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Found a leafhopper in the bedroom window on Thursday and it appears to be a Acericerus heydenii - a recent arrival in the UK (2010) and appears to be spreading. We've seen just one before - in South Bucks. @rockwolf74.bsky.social
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Mottled Shieldbug (Rhaphigaster nebulosa) from pollarded Sallow branch 28/11/25. New site record #ThamesRdWetland SMINC in London Boro Bexley, managed by @thames21.bsky.social Feeds on various decidous trees. First found in UK in London area 2010, following increase on near continent. (Pic Elio G)
December 9, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Mottled Shieldbug (Rhaphigaster nebulosa) from pollarded Sallow branch 28/11/25. New site record #ThamesRdWetland SMINC in London Boro Bexley, managed by @thames21.bsky.social Feeds on various decidous trees. First found in UK in London area 2010, following increase on near continent. (Pic Elio G)
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Winter leafhoppers.
Empoasca vitis
Eupteryx urticae
Linnavuoriana sexmaculata
Ribautiana debilis
#Bugs #Hemiptera #VC55 #Cicadellidae
Empoasca vitis
Eupteryx urticae
Linnavuoriana sexmaculata
Ribautiana debilis
#Bugs #Hemiptera #VC55 #Cicadellidae
December 2, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Winter leafhoppers.
Empoasca vitis
Eupteryx urticae
Linnavuoriana sexmaculata
Ribautiana debilis
#Bugs #Hemiptera #VC55 #Cicadellidae
Empoasca vitis
Eupteryx urticae
Linnavuoriana sexmaculata
Ribautiana debilis
#Bugs #Hemiptera #VC55 #Cicadellidae
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Looking at the last flowers of Red Campion today and this little bug appeared.
It is Dicyphus globulifer, a species found on Red and White Campion throughout Britain.
It is Dicyphus globulifer, a species found on Red and White Campion throughout Britain.
November 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Looking at the last flowers of Red Campion today and this little bug appeared.
It is Dicyphus globulifer, a species found on Red and White Campion throughout Britain.
It is Dicyphus globulifer, a species found on Red and White Campion throughout Britain.
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
What an incredible month November has been so far, and thanks to simply shaking some leaves.
Three new leafhoppers for me, two of these possibly new to Essex.
#Hemiptera
#Cicadellidae
#Leafhopper
Three new leafhoppers for me, two of these possibly new to Essex.
#Hemiptera
#Cicadellidae
#Leafhopper
November 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
What an incredible month November has been so far, and thanks to simply shaking some leaves.
Three new leafhoppers for me, two of these possibly new to Essex.
#Hemiptera
#Cicadellidae
#Leafhopper
Three new leafhoppers for me, two of these possibly new to Essex.
#Hemiptera
#Cicadellidae
#Leafhopper
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Always love finding Ledra aurita (Eared Leafhopper) nymphs! From SE Shropshire yesterday. #Homoptera #Leafhopper #Shropshire
November 17, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Always love finding Ledra aurita (Eared Leafhopper) nymphs! From SE Shropshire yesterday. #Homoptera #Leafhopper #Shropshire
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Developers WANT gradual release of new homes, so demand always outstrips supply to keep sales prices high. They use:
1 Land-banking - to prevent competitors building
2 Slow build-out - to keep demand high
Reforms should focus on this dynamic, plus skills shortages, and minimising slow wet trades
1 Land-banking - to prevent competitors building
2 Slow build-out - to keep demand high
Reforms should focus on this dynamic, plus skills shortages, and minimising slow wet trades
November 13, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Developers WANT gradual release of new homes, so demand always outstrips supply to keep sales prices high. They use:
1 Land-banking - to prevent competitors building
2 Slow build-out - to keep demand high
Reforms should focus on this dynamic, plus skills shortages, and minimising slow wet trades
1 Land-banking - to prevent competitors building
2 Slow build-out - to keep demand high
Reforms should focus on this dynamic, plus skills shortages, and minimising slow wet trades
Utterly disgusted by this dismal disappointment of a govt
Amendment 40 to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been voted down.
Had it passed, it would have meant more precious wildlife would have retained existing protections.
Instead, MPs have bought into the false 'nature vs growth' narrative.
Had it passed, it would have meant more precious wildlife would have retained existing protections.
Instead, MPs have bought into the false 'nature vs growth' narrative.
November 13, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Utterly disgusted by this dismal disappointment of a govt
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
The Government has tabled 67 last-minute amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill.‼️
Rushed through with little scrutiny, it’s a shambolic way to reform the planning system.
It creates confusion, sidelines science and leaves nature dangerously exposed.
(1/3)
Rushed through with little scrutiny, it’s a shambolic way to reform the planning system.
It creates confusion, sidelines science and leaves nature dangerously exposed.
(1/3)
October 14, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Government has tabled 67 last-minute amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill.‼️
Rushed through with little scrutiny, it’s a shambolic way to reform the planning system.
It creates confusion, sidelines science and leaves nature dangerously exposed.
(1/3)
Rushed through with little scrutiny, it’s a shambolic way to reform the planning system.
It creates confusion, sidelines science and leaves nature dangerously exposed.
(1/3)
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Don't care about the massive damage done to native ecosystems by the constant release of vast numbers of invasive pheasants for shooting?
Maybe you'll care about catching Lyme disease instead.
Maybe you'll care about catching Lyme disease instead.
Ticks are more likely to carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease in areas where Common Pheasants Phasianus colchicus are released, according to new research.
Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
🥇Subscriber Content
Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
🥇Subscriber Content
October 8, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Don't care about the massive damage done to native ecosystems by the constant release of vast numbers of invasive pheasants for shooting?
Maybe you'll care about catching Lyme disease instead.
Maybe you'll care about catching Lyme disease instead.
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
On yesterday's @kentfieldclub.bsky.social meeting at Castle Foote on the North Kent coast, I was really pleased to find the rare ground bug Henestaris halophilus in numbers across the saltmarsh. Habitat shot has notes in alt text. #bugs #truebugs #Hemiptera #KentNature @britishbugs.bsky.social
September 29, 2025 at 8:30 AM
On yesterday's @kentfieldclub.bsky.social meeting at Castle Foote on the North Kent coast, I was really pleased to find the rare ground bug Henestaris halophilus in numbers across the saltmarsh. Habitat shot has notes in alt text. #bugs #truebugs #Hemiptera #KentNature @britishbugs.bsky.social
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
As my daughter got sicker and sicker, our quest for answers dragged on. How did we all miss the bacteria taking over her body?
I write about nature, but when Milly got sick with a mystery illness, it never occurred to me that a long-forgotten tick bite could be the cause
www.theguardian.com
September 28, 2025 at 8:20 AM
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
PLEASE READ! No more #BeeWashing. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Why saving the honeybee could be bad news for other bees
In this week’s newsletter: a conservation success story has a sting in its tail as wild pollinators pay the price
www.theguardian.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:55 PM
PLEASE READ! No more #BeeWashing. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Spent the afternoon in part of the new North Kent Woods & Downs NNR. Was looking for Hop-garden Earwig (a no-show) but did find some nice bugs: Iassus scutellaris, Vernal Shieldbug Peribalus strictus & Asiraca clavicornis. #KentNature #NNR #bugs #Hemiptera @naturalengland.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Spent the afternoon in part of the new North Kent Woods & Downs NNR. Was looking for Hop-garden Earwig (a no-show) but did find some nice bugs: Iassus scutellaris, Vernal Shieldbug Peribalus strictus & Asiraca clavicornis. #KentNature #NNR #bugs #Hemiptera @naturalengland.bsky.social
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
14 adult Trapezium Shieldbugs were found at Samphire Hoe, near Dover on 10th Aug 2025.
August 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM
14 adult Trapezium Shieldbugs were found at Samphire Hoe, near Dover on 10th Aug 2025.
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Counted 37 nymphs and 60 adult Striped Shieldbugs (Graphosoma italicum) at Ninefields, Waltham Abbey today. This has been the primary population this year, numbers down in other areas and no new spread to other nearby habitat patches that I have been checking. #EssexWildlife #UKBugs
September 19, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Counted 37 nymphs and 60 adult Striped Shieldbugs (Graphosoma italicum) at Ninefields, Waltham Abbey today. This has been the primary population this year, numbers down in other areas and no new spread to other nearby habitat patches that I have been checking. #EssexWildlife #UKBugs
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
September 15, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
I’ve always wanted to see a Blue Shieldbug, Zicrona caerulea, and now I have! Saw this one on our walk at the weekend. Such a stunning little creature! #InsectThursday #Bugsky
September 11, 2025 at 8:38 AM
I’ve always wanted to see a Blue Shieldbug, Zicrona caerulea, and now I have! Saw this one on our walk at the weekend. Such a stunning little creature! #InsectThursday #Bugsky
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
Does this look good for Ortholomus punctipennis @britishbugs.bsky.social ? Brownfield site, South Cambs.
September 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Does this look good for Ortholomus punctipennis @britishbugs.bsky.social ? Brownfield site, South Cambs.
Finally made the pilgrimage to Purflleet for Sciocoris sideritidis and Southern Sickle-bearing Bush Cricket with @sjb2010.bsky.social today.
September 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Finally made the pilgrimage to Purflleet for Sciocoris sideritidis and Southern Sickle-bearing Bush Cricket with @sjb2010.bsky.social today.
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
@britishbugs.bsky.social I think I’ve finally reached a conclusion on this bug I found at Spurn, is it just Megalonotus chigara? On the first photo it is on the right, with a specimen of M.chigara on the left. I was hoping it was a very lost Eremocoris plebejus but I think that’s wishful thinking
September 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
@britishbugs.bsky.social I think I’ve finally reached a conclusion on this bug I found at Spurn, is it just Megalonotus chigara? On the first photo it is on the right, with a specimen of M.chigara on the left. I was hoping it was a very lost Eremocoris plebejus but I think that’s wishful thinking
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
My first sighting of Rhaphigaster nebulosa (Mottled Shieldbug), in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. A recent arrival to our shores, with the first mainland record in London in 2010.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
September 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
My first sighting of Rhaphigaster nebulosa (Mottled Shieldbug), in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. A recent arrival to our shores, with the first mainland record in London in 2010.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
Reposted by Tristan Bantock
If you want to identify, well, anything, I recommend this post from @weevil-see.bsky.social. His choice of weevils to illustrate it is of course excellent, but it applies to everything from mushrooms to marsupials. This is how you can be a good identifier of things.
[Link contains spider]
[Link contains spider]
I started a blog and my first post is online!
The posts will try to explore topics which are not typically covered by introductory literature and textbooks, e.g. because they are considered to be "too basic". Let me know what you think!
weevil-see.github.io/taxonomy/Ide...
The posts will try to explore topics which are not typically covered by introductory literature and textbooks, e.g. because they are considered to be "too basic". Let me know what you think!
weevil-see.github.io/taxonomy/Ide...
Species Identifications: Common Pitfalls
Some thoughts about Identifications. How do we identify properly? How do we avoid mistakes?
weevil-see.github.io
September 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
If you want to identify, well, anything, I recommend this post from @weevil-see.bsky.social. His choice of weevils to illustrate it is of course excellent, but it applies to everything from mushrooms to marsupials. This is how you can be a good identifier of things.
[Link contains spider]
[Link contains spider]