Graptopeltus lynceus

Length 6 to 7 mm.  A distinctive ground bug which has broad pale margins to the pronotum and two raised pale lines on the scutellum, which form a V at the apex. The front of the pronotum is broader than the head and eyes.

Can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with.

Please provide photographs to support your record.

Viper's Bugloss is the main host-plant, although increasingly other species in the borage family are exploited, including forget-me-nots Myosotis and Green Alkanet. G. lynceus is associated with dry sparsely-vegetated habitats such as dunes, breckland, and old sand or chalk pits.

All year round.  Adults overwinter and mate in the spring; the new generation is often complete by July. 

There may sometimes be a second generation.

A scarce bug which has a scattered distribution across southern England, particularly the south-east.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.