Bug and beetle for ID

nutmeg · #1 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 12:54 PM

These both came to my moth trap in my Lincolnshire garden.

I think the bug is Harpocera thoracica (two seen 7.5.11):

Not sure about the soldier beetle (approx 10mm):

Thanks for any help!

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 02:16 PM

The beetle is either Cantharis pallida or cryptica.. I would opt for the latter but maybe Klaas can say better than me.. I think the stronger black tips to the femora are the clue to it being cryptica.

Janet

nutmeg · #3 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:29 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, Janet.

Toby · #4 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:35 PM

I think the Bug is a male Harpocera thoracica (Miridae)

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:57 PM

Evening Rachel,

Yes, agree with Toby's H. thoracica male and C. cryptica-type for the second.

Take care,

Jason

nutmeg · #6 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 11:23 PM

Thanks Toby & Jason for confirming the bug ID.

Fauna · #7 (**permalink**) 30-05-2011, 07:55 AM

Do you still have this one nutmeg.

If so, check the feelers near its mouth...the maxillary palp will be the one to look at. Check to see if it is darkened at the edge of last segment, C. pallida will be dark, C. cryptica will mostly be pale.

Also check the hairs on the elytra, C. pallida will have fairly dense hairs that are uniformally equall in size. C. cryptica will have two types of hairs growing, a short layer interspersed with more erect longer hairs.

Regards Chris...

nutmeg · #8 (**permalink**) 30-05-2011, 11:20 AM

Thanks Chris, have been getting a few so will take a look using diagnostic features you've described.

Klaas Reißmann · #9 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 09:29 PM

Hi there,

hairs are homogenous, no longer hairs can be seen and the photo is good enough to see those if the beetle had some. The black knees are typically, so this is Cantharis cryptica.

Regards
Klaas

Fauna · #10 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klaas Reißmann

Hi there,

hairs are homogenous, no longer hairs can be seen and the photo is good enough to see those if the beetle had some. The black knees are typically, so this is Cantharis cryptica.

Regards
Klaas

Hi Klaas, how reliable can the black knees be. I was told not to rely to much on this, but i don't check many of these to see if it holds true.

It would be great if so (i can update my key)...

Regards Chris...