Metatropis rufescens Stilt Bug
(Herrich-Schäffer, 1835)

Back To Back to Home Page Back To Insects

Classification Order: Heteroptera Family: Berytidae

Home > Heteroptera >> Berytidae

Length 9 - 11 mm

Phenology Adult Throughout Year

Description This is a readily distinguished orange brown Stiltbug of woodland habitat It is principly found on the flowers of Enchatnters Nightshade Circaea lutetiana an indicator of ancient woodland . These small discrete bugs are often over looked and best found by sweeping the host vegetation. Metatropis rufescens feeds exclusively on Circaea (Circaea lutetiana), Circaea x intermedia and in the Alps Circaea alpina. They feed predominantly on the reproductive organs of the plant

Life Cycle

Adults perist over the winter reproducing early summer. A new generation is uusually completed by AugustThe females lay their eggs individually in June and July on the stems and leaves of Circaea. From August, sometimes also in July, the imagines of the new generation occur , and nymphs can be found until September.

 

Habitat Woodland

Stilt Bug - Metatropis rufescens 24-06-17

Image Courtesy Geoff Foale (C) 2017