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| Taphropeltus contractus Family: Lygaeidae The genus is distinguished from other small lygaeids by the shape of the head, which is constricted behind the eyes. The eyes are also rather distant from the pronotum. Long hairs are present at the margins of the underside and on the front femora, which like many similar species, bear two large and several small spines. The rarer T. hamulatus is very similar but is smaller, darker and has shorter and proportionately wider antennae. Found widely in dry habitats, wastelands and brownfield sites across southern Britain, becoming more coastal further north and west. Adult: All year Length 3-4 mm |
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| Adult: Herts (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock |
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| Adult: north London (April 2009) ©Tristan Bantock |
Adult: Herts (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock |
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| Adult: detail showing femoral spines and hairs ©Tristan Bantock | Nymph: Cornwall (Agust 2008) ©Ashley Wood |