True bugs
True bugs include shield bugs, ground bugs, mirid or capsid bugs, water bugs, frog hoppers, plant hoppers, aphids and scale insects.
Not all true bugs can fly, but those that can have wings that usually overlap when they are folded, instead of meeting in a mid line.
All species have piercing mouth parts with which they spear plants, and in some species, body fluids or blood.
Most people are familiar with shield bugs, squash bugs and other plant bugs including aphids and plant scales.
A number of species are prolific plant pests and transfer viruses from one plant to the next as they feed on the sap.
Number of UK species: about 1,700
