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

Arenocoris waltlii Breckland Leatherbug
Family: Coreidae

Very similar to the much commoner A. fallenii, this species has always been a great breckland rarity and was thought to be extinct for many years, before its rediscovery in 2011. It has since been found at various sites in Suffolk and Norfolk.

Best distinguished from A. fallenii by the pronotum, which lacks the two backwards pointing rows of pale spines. The
third antennal segment is also thickened towards the tip.

There are no apparent ecological differences between the two Arenocoris species, both of which feed on Common Storksbill Erodium cicutarium in dry, sandy habitats.

Adult: All year
Length 7-8 mm

Arenocoris waltlii
Adult: Suffolk (September 2018) ©Rob Coleman

Arenocoris waltlii Arenocoris waltlii
Adult: Jersey (July 2015) ©Tim Ransom

Adult: Suffolk (June 2012) ©Paul Brock