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Peritrechus geniculatus
Family: Lygaeidae

 Peritrechus species have only one or two small spines on the front femora. As in Scolopostethus, a pale spot is present at the sides of the pronotum, although this is not always obvious.

P. geniculatus is similar to P. nubilus but the markings on the upper surface are rather dull, with an indistinct pale spot at the base of the membrane. The pronotum is mainly dark and shows only slight contrast with the paler posterior third. The 3rd antennal segment is usually as thick or thicker than the 1st.

A common ground bug in dry grasslands and wastelands across southern Britain, particularly in the south-east. Overwinters as an adult, becoming active in the spring.

Adult: all year
Length 5-6 mm
 Peritrechus geniculatus


Adult: north London (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Peritrechus geniculatus nymph Peritrechus geniculatus
Nymph: north London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
 Adult: north London (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock