Megalonotus emarginatus

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Description

A medium-sized ground-bug (4.5 to 5.5 mm) with a dark, pubescent and coarsely punctate pronotum. Size, colouration, shape and wing developement are variable, but it has femora that are partly darkened, antennae that are partly pale, and prominent hind corners to the pronotum caused by the deeply concave basal margin to the pronotum.

Similar Species

Other Megalonotus, especially M chiragra and M sabulicola.

Identification difficulty

Recording advice

Detailed examination and photos of a specimen is recommended, showing femora, antennae and pronotum; a field photograph is unikely to be adequate because of the similarity to other speces in the genus.

Habitat

Dry open habitats.

When to see it

Adult: All year.

UK Status

Local (ref: British Heteroptera checklist 2021, on British Bugs website)

VC55 Status

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Croft Hill specimen recorded on 15 May 2010 is believed to be the first VC55 record.

Further Information

https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/megalonotus_emarginatus.html

Mark Skevington
Huncote Embankment
12 May 2019
Pale tibia. Protruding corners on hind margin of pronotum.
Graham Calow
Croft Hill
15 May 2010
first record for VC55
Mark Skevington
Huncote Embankment
12 May 2019
One large femoral tooth on front leg.
Mark Skevington
Huncote Embankment
12 May 2019
Coarsely punctured pronotum, especially posterior. Pronotum hairy.
Graham Calow
Croft Hill
15 May 2010
first record for VC55