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

Megamelodes quadrimaculatus Family: Delphacidae A distinctive genus with two similar species, in which the lateral keels of the pronotum reach the hind margin, and the short forewings have two pale spots along the hind edge.  In M. quadrimaculatus, the forewings are about as wide as long (longer in the rare M. lequesnei). The latter species is also substantially larger. The aedeagus and parameres clearly separate males of the two species, and provide a reliable check. Macropters occur rarely; in females, the scutellum is then black. A local species found in marshy areas across the southern part of England and Wales. It is often associated with rushes, sedges anmd grasses, with most reliable records of host plant relating to Festuca species. Note: previously referred to in RES keys as M. fieberi; M. lequesnei was referred to as M. quadrimaculatus. Adult: all year Length 2-4 mm

Adult female: Lincoln (March 2009) ©Michael E. Talbot