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Megalonotus praetextatus Family: Lygaeidae Megalonotus species are medium-sized ground bugs in which the pronotum is covered with dense pubescence and is coarsely punctured, particularly across the posterior. The front femora bear a large tooth and several smaller ones. M. praetextatus is distinguished by the smooth and hairless pronotum and the shiny appearance of the upper surface. The legs are brownish-yellow with the exception of the anterior femora, which are dark. A local ground bug, found widely in southern England although more coastal in Wales and the west, favouring dry well-drained soils with a warm and sheltered aspect. Habitats include sand dunes, cliffs, gravel pits, sandy grasslands and the east anglian brecklands. Although frequently associated with Common Stork's-bill Erodium cicutarium, this is not the only foodplant. Adult: All year Length 4.0-5.0 mm
	Adult: Herts (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: Herts (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock	Adult: Herts (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock