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Rhopalus parumpunctatus
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 dark spots on the veins of the corium, together with the shape of the dark abdominal markings. Note that the connexivum is variable and may be plain or marked with dark spots. The scutellum ends in a single point.

 Locally distributed in southern Britain, this species is found on heathland and dry sandy habitats, including dunes. It is associated with many plants, particularly mouse-ear (Cerastium) and overwinters as an adult, the new generation appearing in August.

Compare R. maculatus,  R. subrufus

Adult: All year
Length 6.5-7.5 mm		 Rhopalus parumpunctatus
Adult male: Hants (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Rhopalus parumpunctatus Rhopalus parumpunctatus
Adult male: Surrey (August 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult female: Hants (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Rhopalus parumpunctatus Rhopalus parumpunctatus
Adult male: Surrey (August 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult: Beds (September 2009) ©Will George