Urrrghhhh... wot are these?

[Marthaclematis]

We discovered some beetle thing we've never seen before, about 8 of them, quite big, a quarter of an inch, leaf green (same colour as the lilac leaves there were on) six legs and two antenna and a cream underbelly, and they had wings but they must be lazy coz although they flapped them when dh picked them up they didn't actually fly away. Does anyone know what they are? And more to the point are they nasties? (Don't mind them if they're not). Funny we've never seen them before, they were like small stag beetles but not black, green and quite hard. We did take a pic but I'm not sure how to post it. We'll try though.

Thanks.

[Flummery]

Could they be Shield Bugs - sort of shield shaped? Not a problem if they are.

[nelliegemini]

Flummery, you posted whilst I was googling shield bugs. Try here - they do look a little different when they are babies, the grownups are about a half inch long.

Royal Horticultural Society - Gardening Advice: Green Shield Bug

[Marthaclematis]

My word, you are geniuses!! That is exactly what it is, right down to the dark marking on the back. Thank you so much. I am very relieved that it is harmless and will not be taking any steps to get rid of them. I did manage to post a picture, but only to my album not here. I don't know how you see my album, I think you go to my profile and then look there. Thanks again. Big sigh !!!..

[nelliegemini]

When I was small, I had a pet shield bug, and wore it like a brooch but only for an hour-ish - no-one told me they flew and he left! boo-hoo. They still make me smile for some reason.

[Comfreyfan]

When I was small, I had a pet shield bug, and wore it like a brooch but only for an hour-ish - no-one told me they flew and he left! boo-hoo. They still make me smile for some reason.

Reminded me of a song I used to sing to the kids about Alexander Beetle - I think it was originally a poem by AA Milne. But the beetle was kept in a matchbox and 'nanny let my beetle out, she went and let my beetle out and beetle ran away'!

[Two_Sheds]

I had one on the washing line today ... not very well camouflaged. Obviously a youngster.
I put a comment in your album, Martha. Nice pics