Entomopathogenic fungus
Found several of these wonderful species of shield bugs infected with a entomopathogenic fungus, while on a trip to the Yorkshire dales in September 2023.
Read more below:
Entomopathogenic Fungus - A fungus that can kill or seriously harm insects.
Gorse Shield Bug
While spending some time in the Yorkshire dales, I came across a strange site, and quickly came to the conclusion that what I was looking at was a fungus that had infected a species of shield bug. The Gorse shield bug (Piezodorus lituratus) to be precise. I came to this conclusion by checking the surrounding area, where this species of shield bug seemed to be the only one present, and the fungal infection I found had infected two subjects a few bushes apart.
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Seeking Clarification
I contacted the Entomological society for some clarification on what I had found, and whether it was recommended to get a specimen, but was then passed on to an expert in Entomopathogenic Fungus, who I have not yet heard back from. I have in the meantime done some in depth research, going over papers of documented funguses within species and the UK.
Beaveria bassisana
There are many Entomopathogenic fungi, but mainly found in the tropics. I have not been able to find information of this species being infected within the UK, as the only infection of shield bugs seems limited to other parts of the world. It is possible that it is Beaveria bassisana which grows naturally in soils and can act as a parasite on many arthropod species, including Shield bugs. It belongs to the family Cordycipitaceae, but again, finding information on this pathogen in UK shield bugs seems difficult. I will attach links to the articles and papers I have found and read.
