Killer bug

[PinkButterflies]

Hi, we have just lost a batch of Peacock to some kind of predatory 'sucking' bug. Any ideas what these are?

[ChrisC]

Kleidocerys resedae Birch Catkin Bug, by no means a definitive ID but a place to start.
http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteropte ... sedae.html

Chris

[PinkButterflies]

Yes! that definitely fits the description of what we have. There is a big gap in information about it anywhere? Nothing about lifecycle or predation habits on caterpillars for example.
We got a bad patch of nettle because we found about 100 of these bugs under the fleece and a dozen dead cats. Also, they are supposed to be on or around Birch but these were on nettle.
Anyway, thanks for the quick ID. Just one more nasty to watch out for.

David.