Spathocera
dalmanii Dalman's
Leatherbug
Family: Coreidae
This
small squashbug is characterised by the long, pale-sided pronotum (much
longer than wide). The head, antennae and pronotum lack spines and
there are two wedge-shaped black markings on the scutellum. Adults are
rather slow-moving and fly only rarely.
This species feeds on Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella and nymphs can be found
June-August, feeding on the seeds. There may be two generations
per year.
A very scarce species although
showing signs of recent increase. Mainly confined to heathland in
southern England (Norfolk
- Dorset) favouring warm and sparsely vegetated areas where the
foodplant occurs. It has also been recorded from acid
grassland,
breckland and sand dunes.
Adult: All year
Length
5.0-6.5 mm
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Adult: west London (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult: east London (June 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult: west London (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult: east London (September 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
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Adult: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
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Late instar nymph: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
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Late instar nymph: east London (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
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