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Rhopalus maculatus
Family: Rhopalidae
Key to the Rhopalidae of Central Europe (German)

This genus comprises four species in the UK; all are rather hairy bugs with largely membranous forewings, which are usually reddish in colour. This species is best distinguished by the strongly red pigmented corium, together with the extensively orange abdomen and serrated dark abdominal markings. Note that the spots on the connexivum are usually small and rounded. The underside of the abdomen bears  several rows of dark spots.

A scarce species found mainly on damp heaths and fens in southern Britain, feeding on marsh thistle and marsh cinquefoil. Overwinters as an adult, the new generation appearing in August.

Compare: R. parumpunctatus, R. subrufus

Adult: All year
Length 7.5-8.0 mm		 Rhopalus maculatus
Adult: Surrey (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Rhopalus maculatus Rhopalus maculatus
Adult: Dorset (May 2009) ©David Longshaw

 Adult: Dorset (May 2009) ©Mark Dunkling
Rhopalus maculatus Rhopalus maculatus
Adult: Hants (September 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult unds ©Tristan Bantock