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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; antennal characters are now not thought to be reliable. Habitat and host plant are a very useful guide to identification.

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

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

 Early instar nymph: Dorset (June 2009) ©Ashley Wood
Dicranocephalus agilis
Final instar nymph: north Wales (September 2007) ©Tristan Bantock