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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

see illustrated life stages chart
Spathocera dalmanii
Adult: west London (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Spathocera dalmanii Spathocera dalmanii
Adult: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Spathocera dalmanii Spathocera dalmanii
Adult: east London (June 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: west London (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Spathocera dalmanii Spathocera dalmanii
Adult: east London (September 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Spathocera dalmanii i nymph Spathocera dalmanii nymph
Late instar nymph: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Late instar nymph: east London (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock