British Bugs
HOME A BIT ABOUT BUGS GALLERY SYSTEMATIC LISTS RECORDING BUGS CONTACT US LINKS

Pachybrachius luridus
Family: Lygaeidae

 This genus is recognized by the characterstic shape of the pronotum, which is strongly constricted behind the middle. The sides of the pronotum are not thinned to produce keels.

P. luridus is distinguished from the much commoner P. fracticollis by the long pubescence on the pronotum  and by the double row of spines on the front femur. The pronotum is also more square-shaped.

A very rare species inhabiting Sphagnum bogs, probably feeding on sedges. Known only from a small number of scattered sites in England and Wales, with a stronghold in the New Forest.

Adult: All year
Length 4.5-5.5 mm
 Pachybrachius luridus
Adult: Hants (June 2011) ©Tristan Bantock
Pachybrachius luridus Pachybrachius luridus
Adult: Hants (September 2010) ©Tristan Bantock

 		Adult: Hants (September 2010) ©Tristan Bantock