Scarab Shieldbug - Thyreocoris scarabaeoides

Length 3 to 4 mm. A small metallic black or bronze shieldbug with a very large scutellum which covers most of the abdomen.

Associated with violets growing on dry sandy or chalky soils in sunny situations (including coastal dunes), where it can be found in moss or litter.

Adult: All year.

Locally distributed across much of southern Britain.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Ketton record of 4th May 2014 is possibly the first record for VC55.