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Shieldbugs are a type of ‘true bug’ and are named due to their distinctive shield shape. Many species have unique markings and colours and also have specific host plants that they are found on. These bright colours and markings help to ward off predators as well as the strong-smelling chemicals they secrete when disturbed. 

Shieldbugs are under recorded locally despite several species being easy to identify. Please remember that colours and markings may vary between individuals. Shield bug nymphs (juveniles) can also look markedly different to adults so take care that it is an adult you are identifying.

Shieldbug Spotter Sheet

For additional identification help please use the Guernsey Wildlife or Insects of the Channel Islands Facebook pages, where they will be happy to assist.

There are many types of bugs found in Guernsey, with examples including shieldbugs, squash bugs and leafhoppers. All bugs are distinguished by their piercing mouthparts, overlapping wing covers and segmented antennae. This helps tell them apart from beetles which are a different group of insects.

Flies are one of the major insect groups and their main identification feature is that they have a single pair of wings. Flies play many important roles in the natural environment from pollination to predation of pests. Familiar examples include hoverflies, craneflies, house flies, bluebottles and mosquitos.

There are several species of bugs and flies which are easy to identify but under recorded locally. These species have been included in this spotter sheet.

Bugs And Flies Spotter Sheet

For additional identification help please use the Guernsey Wildlife or Insects of the Channel Islands Facebook pages, where they will be happy to assist.

Damselflies and dragonflies are predatory flying insects, found in freshwater, woodland and hedgerow habitats. They are an important part of the food web, controlling pest species and providing food for lots of birds.  

Damselflies and dragonflies can be fast flying and small, so unless they land can sometimes be hard to identify. All the species regularly seen in Guernsey and some additional migrant species have been included in the spotter sheet.

Damsels And Dragons Spotter Sheet

For additional identification help please use the Guernsey Wildlife or Insects of the Channel Islands Facebook pages, where they will be happy to assist.

Gardens support many species of minibeast, as they are usually made up of lots of microhabitats, such as flowerbeds, lawns, compost heaps and ponds.

Some minibeast species tend to be more recorded than others, such as butterflies which are very recognisable. However, there are lots of other species of minibeast that are just as distinct but are much more under recorded. This spotter sheet includes a wide variety of minibeasts that could be found in your garden.

Garden Minibeast Spotter Sheet

For additional identification help please use the Guernsey Wildlife or Insects of the Channel Islands Facebook pages, where they will be happy to assist.

Ladybirds are brightly coloured beetles with characteristic spot patterns. The number of spots can vary, and many species are identified by the number, shape and colour of the spots. Ladybirds play an important role in the natural environment as they prey on pest species such as aphids.

Ladybirds are under recorded locally despite several species being easy to identify. 12 species that are easy to identify have been included in the spotter sheet. Please note that colour and number of spots can vary with individual ladybirds.

Ladybird Spotter Sheet

For additional identification help please use the Guernsey Wildlife or Insects of the Channel Islands Facebook pages, where they will be happy to assist.

Slugs are a species of terrestrial mollusc. They have evolved from snails, with most slug species losing their external shell in the process. Slugs can be found in damp places, and gardens are a good place to look. They are an important food source for many species and help to decompose organic matter.

Slugs are under recorded locally, even though there are several species which are recognisable and easy to identify. These species have been included in this spotter sheet along with some information on slug anatomy. Please remember that sometimes it is not always possible to identify all slugs down to species level. Even if you can only identify to genus level that is fine.

Slug Spotter Sheet

Fungi are a fascinating species group and are actually not plants. They live underground or on a host, and the visible parts we see above ground i.e. mushrooms, are the fruiting body. The fruiting body is responsible for dispersal of spores for reproduction. Fungi help with decomposition, recycle nutrients, are a food source for wildlife, are used in medicines and have the potential to break down plastic.

Fungi are very under recorded locally, possibly due to difficulty in identification. However, there are some species that are easy to identify! They have been included in this spotter sheet alongside fungi terminology and advice on how to identify. Please remember that sometimes it is not always possible to identify fungi down to species level. Even if you can only identify to genus or family level that is fine.

Fungi Spotter Sheet

Fungi Spotter Sheet for Le Foulon Cemetery

Fungi Spotter Sheet for Saumarez Park

For additional fungi identification help, please use the Guernsey Fungi and Lichen Facebook page, where they will be happy to assist.

Lichens are not a single organism but consist of a special relationship between a fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria. The fungi part needs food which is provided by their algae /cyanobacteria partner, which photosynthesise. Both the fungi and their partners benefit from this relationship. Lichens come in lots of different forms and are excellent indicators of air pollution. They are found on trees, stones, walls, pavements, fenceposts, gravestones and even rocks on the beach.

Lichens are under-recorded because they are hard to identify, especially in the field. This spotter sheet looks at the terminology used for lichens and gives examples of some of the easier species to look for. Please bear in mind that it is not possible to identify all species of lichen without expertise. 

Lichen Spotter Sheet

For additional lichen identification help, please use the Guernsey Fungi and Lichen Facebook page, where they will be happy to assist.

Mosses are non-flowering plants, that do not have true roots, stems, or leaves, instead, absorbing water and nutrients directly through their tiny leaf-like structures. Mosses reproduce using spores rather than seeds, and their soft cushions and mats help retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, and create important micro-habitats for insects and other small organisms.

Mosses are everywhere and thrive in damp, shaded places such as woodland floors, walls, tree trunks, and even rooftops. They are often under-recorded because their small size and subtle differences can make identification challenging. However, there are some common species with distinctive growth forms that are easier to recognise, and these are included in the links below alongside useful terminology and tips. Remember that it’s not always possible to identify mosses to species level in the field - identifying to genus is absolutely fine.

Moss Introduction

Moss Spotter Sheet