Saldula arenicola
Family: Saldidae
This
genus comprises 11 rather oval saldids which have an entirely dark
pronotum and forewings which completely overlap. There are several
very similar species which are
often difficult to identify.
S. arenicola is relatively
easy to identify, with distinctive markings consisting of a
pale bar across the corium, level with two pale spots on the clavus,
and usually two pale spots along the costal margin, closer to the
membrane. The first antennal segment is pale with a black tip, and the
second black with a pale tip.
A scarce species formerly restricted to pools and seepages on the
soft coastal cliffs of Hampshire, Dorset and Devon, but now
increasingly found in analagous habitats inland across parts of southern England, such as sand pits and
quarries.
Adult: All year
Length 3.5-4.5 mm
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