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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
Taphropeltus contractus


Adult: Herts (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Taphropeltus contractus Taphropeltus contractus
Adult: north London (April 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult: Herts (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Taphropeltus contractus Taphropeltus contractus nymph
Adult: detail showing femoral spines and hairs ©Tristan Bantock
 Nymph: Cornwall (Agust 2008) ©Ashley Wood