True bugs
True bugs have piercing mouth parts which they use to feed on plant sap, body fluids or blood. Not all species can fly, but those that can have wings that usually overlap when folded, rather than meeting in a mid-line. Bed bugs, shield bugs, aphids and scale insects are all examples of true bugs. There are about 1,700 species in the UK.
Below are some of the true bugs our Identification and Advisory Service team is most often asked about. Select one to find out more, including identification clues.
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Western conifer-seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis
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Green shieldbug, Palomena prasina
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Hawthorn shieldbug, Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale
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Dock bug, Coreus marginatus
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Forest bug, Pentatoma rufipes
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Southern green shieldbug, Nezara viridula
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Greater water boatman, Notonecta glauca
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Common bed bug, Cimex lectularius
Can't find your true bug?
If you want help identifying a true bug but can't see it in this gallery, you can post your own image and ask our experts and enthusiasts in the Bug forum.
