Coriomeris denticulatus - Denticulate Leatherbug

Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Hemiptera - Family: Coreidae

A member of the insect order True Bugs, Hemiptera, this squashbug is an uncommon find in much of Britain and Ireland.

Description

With their pale brown bodies covered in short bristles, the adults of both genders of Denticulate Leatherbug are typically 8,5 to 11mm long.

Distribution

Found most commonly in southern and central Britain and Ireland but less plentiful in the north and very rarely recorded from Scotland, This squashbug occurs also throughout most of mainland Europe, but it is most abundant in southern European countries.

Habitat

Most commonly recorded on dryish chalky or sandy soils in southern Britain, Denticulate Leatherbugs commonly feed on Black Meddick and other members of the pea family Fabaceae. Dry coastal grassland and brownfield sites are places where this little bug can be found.

Lifecycle

Denticulate Leatherbugs feed on the sap of a wide variety of plants, most notably meddicks, melilots, clovers and other members of the family Fabaceae. Adults and nymphs overwinter in leaf litter, and eggs are laid in early summer leading to a new generation of nymphs emerging from mid July through to late September.

Acknowledgements

This page includes picture content kindly contributed by Rob Petley-Jones.

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