Ischnodemus sabuleti European
Chinchbug
Family: Lygaeidae
A peculiar, elongate species of lygaeid that until 1893 was
known only from a handful of sites in Kent and Surrey. Since then,
it has enormously increased its range, and is still
expanding northwards and westwards. Swarms of
thousands are often seen in wetland areas.
There are two distinct common forms, with short wings (micropterous)
and long wings (macropterous) respectively. Occasional specimens
with wings of intermediate length (right, at left) are also known.
The distinctive nymphs may be found on grasses and reeds throughout the
summer
and into winter. A smaller but otherwise very similar species, I. quadratus, is
restricted to the Folkestone Warren area.
Adult: all year
Length 5-6 mm
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Adults:
south London (June 2007) ©Joe
Botting
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Adult macropter:
north London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult micropter:
north London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult
micropter:
Lincs(January 2008) ©Michael
Talbot
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Nymph:
south London (November 2007) ©Joe
Botting
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