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Gastrodes abietum
Family: Lygaeidae

 Gastrodes species are rather broad and flattened bugs which are associated with conifers. Scot's Pine is the main foodplant of G. grossipes, which is common across the UK; G. abietum is more local and confined to Norway Spruce.

 This species is distinguished from G. grossipes by the pale sides to the front of the pronotum and by the 1st antennal segment, which does not extend beyond the head.

Adults overwinter and mate in the spring, reddish-brown nymphs can be found May-July. The new generation is completed by August. Examining fallen cones seems to be the easiest way of finding this species.

Adult: all year
Length 6-7 mm
 Gastrodes abietum


Adult: Dorset (March 2012) ©Mark Dunkling
Gastrodes abietum Gastrodes abietum
Adult: Kent (March 2013) ©Tristan Bantock
 Adult: Dorset (March 2012) ©Mark Dunkling