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Sehirus luctuosus Forget-me-not Shieldbug
Family: Cydnidae

A completely black shieldbug, sometimes with a bronzy sheen. The 2nd antennal segment is much paler than the rest. This species is  associated with forget-me-not (Myosotis sp), and may be found feeding on the seeds, although it is largely ground-dwellling.

Widespread but local in southern Britain, particuarly on light chalky soils with a warm open aspect, but probably overlooked due to its rather unobtrusive habits. There is one generation per year and the new generation is complete by August. 

Adult: All year
Length 7-9 mm

see illustrated life stages chart
Sehiris luctuosus
Adult: Surrey (May 2011) ©Tristan Bantock

Sehiris luctuosus Sehiris luctuosus
Adult: Herts (April 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: Surrey (July 2007) ©Ashley Wood

Sehiris luctuosus Sehiris luctuosus
Mid instar nymph: Surrey (June 2007) ©Ashley Wood
Late instar nymph: Surrey (June 2007) ©Ashley Wood