Cymus melanocephalus

Description

Length 3 to 4 mm. The four bugs in this genus are distinctively shaped and have a highly punctured body and forewings. However, they can be difficult to separate. C. melanocephalus lacks a pale central keel on the scutellum and the wings are punctured throughout.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species (a photograph alone is not normally sufficient because key features are too small or hidden).

Recording advice

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species.

Habitat

Host plants include trefoils, loosestrifes and rushes.

When to see it

Adult: All year

UK Status

This species is quite common in southern England in damp areas.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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:
Bugs
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Lygaeidae
Records on NatureSpot:
23
First record:
16/05/2012 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
16/12/2023 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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Latest images

Latest records