Apion haematodes

Description

Very small (only 2 or 3 mm) and almost entirely orange coloured. Head and pronotum are punctured. Elytra strongly rounded, broadest behind middle, with deeply impressed striae with rows of indentations.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. Also state the host plant where you found the beetle. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

Habitat

Areas containing Sheep's Sorrel.

When to see it

Adults appear late March to late April and depending on season and are abundant by mid May continuing in good numbers until October.

Life History

Associated with Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) upon the roots of which the larvae feed causing galls.

UK Status

Very common throughout the British Isles and generally by far the most common species of Apion.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.  There were a total of 16 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Apionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
24/03/2011 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
15/03/2022 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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