True Bugs
Bugs & their Relatives
These insects belong to the order of "HEMIPTERA". All have modified sucking mouthparts, they have a hardened, piercing tube called a proboscis, which is tucked underneath the body. They develop by incomplete metamorphosis, the nymphs look like wingless versions of the adults. Both feed on sap from trees, some species go for vegetable crops. The nymphs go through different stages as they grow to adulthood.
Green Vegetable Bug
(Nezara viridula)
Active period of Adults: Spring & Summer
Status: common in NE Victoria
Distribution: Australia wide including Tasmania
Habitat: Adults & nymphs are found in amongst vegetable crops which can cause damage.
Horehound Bug
(Agonoscelius rutila)
Active period of Adults: Spring and Summer
Size: 12 mm
Status: common in NE Victoria
Distribution: South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, & Tasmania
Habitat: side roads where horehound is, also found on Marshmellow plant, in open paddocks - farmland areas.