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Dicranocephalus agilis
Family: Stenocephalidae

 This family has two representatives in Britain, both of which are Dicranocephalus species. Despite their large size and bold markings, they are difficult to separate externally. Habitat and host plant are a very useful guide to identification. D. agilis is larger and more elongate.

D. agilis is a scarce species confined to sand dunes in southern and south-west Britain, where it is associated with portland spurge and sea spurge. Adults overwinter and mate in May, the new generation appearing from August onwards.

Compare: D. medius

Adult: All year
Length 12-14 mm		 Dicranocephalus agilis
Adult on foodplant: north Wales (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Dicranocephalus agilis Dicranocephalus agilis
Adult: south Wales (May 2009) ©Barry Stewart

 Adult on foodplant: north Wales (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Dicranocephalus agilis Dicranocephalus agilis nymph
Adults: north Wales (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Early instar nymph: north Wales (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Dicranocephalus agilis nymph Dicranocephalus agilis nymph
Mid instar nymph: north Wales (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
 Final instar nymph: north Wales (September 2007) ©Tristan Bantock