Rhyparochromus pini info,please

Jason Claxton · #1 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 04:01 PM

I recently found the bug Rhyparochromus pini on a relic of heathland in a wood near me.Although it is an Nb,I wandered whether anybody with more experience can tell me how often these are found in suitable habitat.Also any description of its structural ID features would be great ,as I've had to grab snippets of info for this one.Thanks Jason

tristanba · #2 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 05:21 PM

Hi Jason,

A very timely enquiry as I have just written a page for the british bugs website, although not uploaded it yet. This species does have a very scattered distribution but where it occurs it can be common. In the southeast it is mainly associated with heathland. Adults will be starting to hibernate now.

An easy ground bug to recognise once seen - large and long-legged with pale sides to the scutellum.

Cheers
Tristan

Jason Claxton · #3 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 05:27 PM

Brilliant,cheers Tristan,I did notice that it was missing from yours and Joes site.I look foward to seeing it there.Thanks again.

tristanba · #4 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 05:31 PM

Just uploaded it now

Jason Claxton · #5 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 08:03 PM

Yes Tristan,thats definitely the one , I saw these in September,the activity has stopped now, as you say.Certainly move in the sunshine these.I was crouched looking for Dahlmann's when these started zipping along.Cheers Jason

tristanba · #6 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 08:20 PM

Yes they do really move - it's the long legs that does it! A hard one to photograph in the field.

Are you based in Southampton? I gather that Aphanus rolandri can be found on Southampton Common so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Cheers
Tristan

Jason Claxton · #7 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 08:29 PM

Yes Aphanus rolandri I've found it in two sites nr Southampton,I only seem to get singles though,scurrying along on sandy soil in a couple of woodland sites,but it seems to do better nr Winchester on the chalk.An even more distinctive bug this than the R.pini.

Jason

tristanba · #8 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 08:55 PM

Indeed - it's a beauty! Never seen it myself but always one I hope for on brownfield around London. Cheers Tristan

Jason Claxton · #9 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 09:07 PM

Yes I'm lucky really ,I've the Cow-wheat Shieldbug ,Heath Shieldbug and Rhopalus maculatus,right on my doorstep.You'll probably see some of my records in Het news later.Cheers Jason.