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Gastrodes grossipes Pine Cone Bug
Family: Lygaeidae

 Gastrodes species are rather broad and flattened bugs which are associated with conifers. Scots 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. abietum by the 1st antennal segment, which extends beyond the head, the dark sides to the front of the pronotum and by the overall darker red-brown colouration.

Adults overwinter and mate in the spring, reddish-brown nymphs can be found May-July. The new generation is completed by August.

Adult: all year
Length 6-7 mm
 Peritrechus geniculatus


Adult: Surrey (August 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Gastrodes grossipes Gastrodes grossipes
Adult: Beds (September 2008) ©Bruce Williams

 		Adult: Dorset (August 2008) ©Mark Dunkling
Gastrodes grossipes nymph Gastrodes grossipes nymph
Nymph: Yorks (June 2008) ©Joe Botting

 		Nymph: Surrey (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock