Graptopeltus lynceus

Graptopeltus lynceus

Description

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.

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

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

Recording advice

Please provide photographs to support your record.

Habitat

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.

When to see it

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

Life History

There may sometimes be a second generation.

UK Status

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

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records