British Bugs
HOME A BIT ABOUT BUGS GALLERY SYSTEMATIC LISTS RECORDING BUGS CONTACT US LINKS

Macrodema micropterum
Family: Lygaeidae

 This small dark bug is rather shiny and hairless. The sides of the pronotum have narrow keels, while the wings and posterior of the pronotum are brown with dark punctures. The front femora lack spines. M. micropterum is usually micropterous, although occasional fully-winged individuals do occur. Compare Ischnocoris angustulus.

Abundant on heathland across the UK, feeding on heather and probably other plants. Adults overwinter and the new generation is complete from late July onwards.

Adult: ~All year
Length 2.5-3.0 mm
 Macrodema micropterum
Adult: Hants (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Macrodema micropterum Macrodema micropterum
Adult: Surrey (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock Macropterous adult: Holland (August 2012) ©Tristan Bantock