Megalonotus emarginatus

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Description

Megalonotus species are medium-sized (Length 4.5 to 5.5 mm) ground bugs in which the pronotum is all dark and coarsely punctured, particularly across the posterior. The front femora bear a large tooth and several smaller ones. In M. emarginatus the pronotum is covered in long erect hairs but the hind corners protrude and are sharply-angled backwards.

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).

Habitat

Mainly dry habitats.

When to see it

Adult: All year.

UK Status

Locally common across southern Britain.

VC55 Status

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

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