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Bathysolen nubilus Cryptic Leatherbug
Family: Coreidae

This squashbug is characterised by a short and broad pronotum which lacks spines and has pale sides. The scutellum has a pale tip and the 1st antennal segment is rather broad, wider than the 4th.

A ground-dwelling species feeding on members of the pea family, particularly Black Meddick Medicago lupulina; nymphs can be found June-August. Historically very scarce, this species can now be found more widely across southern England and east Anglia, favouring a variety of  dry and sparsely-vegetated habitats.

Adult: All year
Length 5.5-7.0 mm

see illustrated life stages chart
Bathysolen nubilus
Adult: north London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Bathysolen nubilus Bathysolen nubilus
Adult: Surrey (May 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: north London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Bathysolen nubilus Bathysolen nubilus
Adult: north London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: Essex (August 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Bathysolen nubilus Bathysolen nubilus
Late instar nymph: Surrey (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

Late instar nymph: Essex (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock