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Henestaris halophilus
Family: Lygaeidae

 Both Henestaris species are easily recognised by the stalked eyes; the biological significance of this adaptation is unclear.

In H. halophilus the eyes are on short stalks which only  just project beyond the anterior margin of the pronotum. These stalks are much longer in H. laticeps, a dry cliff face species.

A very scarce and local species confined to a few parts of Kent, Essex and Norfolk, inhabiting the upper zone of saltmarshes and feeding on Sea Purslane.

 Adult: All year
Length 5-6.5 mm
 Henestaris halophilus
Adult: Essex (September 2012) ©Tristan Bantock

Henestaris halophilus

Adult: Essex (September 2012) ©Tristan Bantock