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Adomerus biguttatus Cow-wheat Shieldbug
Family: Cydnidae

 A medium-sized shiny black shieldbug which has a pale margin to the pronotum and forewings and two pale spots on the corium. Found in moss under stands of the foodplant, Common Cow-wheat Melampyrum pratense, growing in sunny woodland clearings and rides. There is one generation per year, the new generation becoming adult in August.

Scarce, with a scattered distribution across England and Wales. It has declined greatly, probably due to the widespread neglect of traditional woodland management practices which create suitable cleared areas. This bug has clear ecological parallels with the Heath Fritillary butterfly and the two species often co-occur in southern England.
Adult: All year
Length 5.0-6.5 mm

see illustrated life stages chart
 		Adomerus biguttatus
Adult: Essex (May 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Adomerus biguttatus Adomerus biguttatus
Adult: Essex (May 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult: Essex (May 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Adomerus biguttatus Adomerus biguttatus
Adult: Essex (May 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

 Early instar nymph: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Adomerus biguttatus Adomerus biguttatus
Mid instar nymph: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

 Late instar nymph: Essex (August 2010) ©Tristan Bantock