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Scolopostethus thomsoni
Family: Lygaeidae

A difficult genus including some common species; all have one large and several small spines on the front femur. The sides of the pronotum are keeled and have a large and obvious pale spot just behind the middle. Underside characters are important in most species and specimens should be collected for reliable identification.

In S. thomsoni the 1st antennal segment is pale and the 2nd partly darkened. The mesosternum (the area of the abdominal underside in front of the middle legs) lacks tubercles (see S. affinis). The rostrum is shorter than in S. puberulus and does not reach the hind coxae. Adults are usually brachypterous.

Abundant in a variety of habitats, often associated with nettles. It occurs throughout the UK, but is less common in upland areas.

Compare: S. affinis,  
S. puberulus, S. grandis

Adult: All year
Length 3.5-4 mm
Scolopostethus thomsoni
Adult: Surrey (June 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

Scolopostethus thomsoni Scolopostethus thomsoni
Adult: north London (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: Berks (August 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson

Scolopostethus thomsoni Scolopostethus thomsoni
Adult: Berks (June 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Adult: north London (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock