Rhopalus subrufus

Description

Length 7 to 7.5 mm. This genus comprises four species in the UK; all are rather hairy bugs with largely membranous forewings, which are usually reddish in colour. R. subrufus can be distinguished by the alternate dark and light bands on the connexivum, and the whitish tip to the scutellum which ends in two points (bifid).

Similar Species

The other Rhopalus species are similar, but rarely or not recorded in VC55. 

Identification difficulty
ID guidance

This species is relatively easy to identify from a photograph. 

Habitat

Often found on low vegetation in scrubby areas and woodland clearings. It is associated with many plants, particularly St John's-wort (Hypericum).

When to see it

Adult: all year.

Life History

Overwinters as an adult, the new generation appearing in August.

UK Status

Widely distributed in southern Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly common 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:
Rhopalidae
Records on NatureSpot:
130
First record:
12/05/2008 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
18/09/2023 (Dejardin, Andrew)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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