mainly southern in the UK, widespread elsewhere. Season Mainlyearly summer and autumll. Similar species See Fire Bug(below) and Lygaeus spp. (p.94).

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1 Squash Bug Coreus li1arginatus A large bug, about 12mm long excluding the antennae, and uniformly brown, of varying shades. Belongs to a family of bugs known as squash bugs because in the US they are pests of squashes and other gourds. Habitat On Dock, Rhubarb and other related plants, spreading more widely in autumn to feed on fruits. Status and distribution A southern species, frequent in S England, and widespread on the Continent except the far north. Season 4-10, hibernating as an adult. Ver/usia (Syromastus) rhombeus is rather smaller and paler, local in dry sandy and chalky places in the south. Mainly coastal in UK. * I'hi/oll1or/Jha /aciniata An extraordinary-looking bug, with a curious life history. It is about IOmm long, brown with membranous wings, but noticeable for its strongly indented and spiny appearance. The bugs frequently carry on their backs golden-yellow eggs (see photo) laid on them by other individuals seeking to have their eggs transported to new food-plants. Habitat Dry sunny slopes; feeds on Paronychia and probably other plants of dry acid places. Status and distribution A southern species, reaching to N France. Coryzus hyoscall1i An attractive and conspicuous bug, up to IOmm long, with a slender body. The whole insect is brightly patterned with red and black, with black legs. It closely resembles the Lygaeus ground bugs in colour and pattern, but is much hairier. Habitat Sandy places, mainly coastal (especially sand-dunes) in the UK, but more widespread on the Continent. Status and distribution Very local and mainly southern in the UK, widespread elsewhere. Season Mainlyearly summer and autumll. See Fire Bug(below) and Lygaeus spp. (p.94). A/ydus ca/wratus A dark slender bug, about IOmm long, that appears very undistinguished when at rest; when it takes flight, however, it reveals" bright red abdomen. An active species, fly. ing readily, partly predatory in habits. Habitat Dry sandy areas, especially heath land. Status and distribution Southern alld local in UK, more widespread elsewhere. Season 6-9. Fire Bug l'yrrhocoris apterus A distinctive species, 8-12mm long, with a squat body. Usually wingless or shon. winged, though long-winged forms also occur. Colour bright red and black, with all inverted black triangle and 2 large black dots. Sociable, usually occurring in num bers on the ground. Habitat A wide variety of habitats, though especially near Lime trees and mallows. Status and distribution Very rare ill UK, virtually confined to Devon; widespread throughout the Continent. Season 3-11, occasionally in winter. European Chinchbug /schnodell1us salj///eti A small dark brown insect, up to 5mm long. In any population, some are very shortwinged while others have long membranous wings, as long as the body; these can fly. Habitat In tall grass areas, including cereal crops, where they tend to congregate on the flowering heads. Status and distribution Frequent and widespread on the Continent. locally common in the UK only in the south. Season 5-1 O. 92 HEMIPTERA

2 * 1.ygaclIs saxatilis A brightly coloured ground bug, 10-12mm long, very similar in co louring to Coryzus hyoscarni (see p.92), red and black all over. This species is more likely to be found on the ground than on vegetation, though this is not a certain point of differentiation from Coryzus. Habitat Dry places, meadows, woodland edges, occasionally heaths. Status and distribution Frequent on the Continent, except in the north. * L equestris is very similar, but has 2 white dots on the membranous parts of the wings; similar distribution. Heath Assassin Bug Cora/ills sliijaplerus A slender brown bug, 9-12mm long, with a bristly-hairy appearance. Occurs in both long-winged and short-winged form,. Squeaks audibly if handled. A predatory species, attacking other insects and small spiders. Habitat Heathland and other sandy, dry places. and locally common almost throughout, except Ireland. Season Fly Bug Reduvius personotus is similar in size and shape, but dark brown to black, and always winged. Occurs around buildings, mainly nocturnal. * Rhinocoris iraclllldus A large, conspicuous bug, up to 18mm long. It is red and black, with a narrow black head, and a slightly concave abdomen with transverse red and black stripes. Highly predatory. Habitat Among sunny herbage, often seen on flowers. on the Continent but never abundant. Common Damsel Bug Nal}is rugosus A slender brown bug, 6--7mm long, with wings as long as the abdomen (though short-winged forms also occur). They are active predatory insects, and can fly well. Habitat Rough grassy rlaces. Status and distribution Abundant in suitable localities throughout. Marsh Damsel Bug Dolichonabis Iimbotus is slightly longer, almost always with very short wings. Widespread and common in damp, rough grassland, where they usually stay close to the ground; Ant Damsel Bug Apterus mirmicoides is usually darker, and the young stages are very ant-like. Dry grassy places in England and Wales, widespread in Europe. Common Green Capsid 1.ygocoris paljl/lilllls A predominantly green bug, with brown membranous wing-tips; body length 6-7mm, with antennae almost as long. A voracious herbivore, sometimes becoming a pest of various crops. Habitat A variety of herbaceous and shrubby plants; undemanding in its requirements. and very common throughout. Season There are a number of similar green 'capsid' bugs, hard to distinguish satisfactorily in the field. Black-kneed Capsid B/ephoridopterus angulotus has black 'knees' on all its legs (less marked in adults). Common throughout in deciduous trees; Apple Capsid Plesiocoris rugicollis is paler, with a yellow head. It occurs on Apple, Willow and Poplar trees, throughout. Potato Capsid C%coris norvegicus is green with black wingtips, and two black spots on the thorax. Widespread and often abundant. Potato Capsid 94 HEMIPTERA

Common Flower Bug Anthocoris nemorum A small slender bug, up to 5mm long at most. The head and abdomen are black, and the wings are shiny throughout, usually patterned dark brown and pale.

3 Common Flower Bug Anthocoris nemorum A small slender bug, up to 5mm long at most. The head and abdomen are black, and the wings are shiny throughout, usually patterned dark brown and pale. Predatory on aphids. Habitat Flowers and herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. Status and distribution Very common throughout. Season Much of the year, especially common 4-5 and Cyllecoris histrionicus A small but distinctive bug. Although only 6-7mm long, it can be identified by the slender body, black and yellow pronotum and brown wings with yellowish markings. Habitat Oak trees, being mainly vegetarian when young, carnivorous later. Status and distribution A common species throughout. Season 6-9. Heterotoma merioptera A very small bug, no more than 5-6mm long, and not conspicuous, but easily identified once seen. Brownish or dark green in colour, but the distinguishing feature is the broad, enlarged second joint of the antennae, which looks like a paddle. Habitat Most frequent on Stinging Nettie, also on other rough herbage. Status and distribution Common generally, but rare in the north. Season Phytocoris tiliae A distinctive bug, 8-1 Omm long, off-white with black markings, and membranous wing-tips; legs black and white. Unlikely to be confused with anything else. Habitat Woodlands and other areas with trees; particularly fond of Lime trees, but not confined to them. and common throughout. Tarnished Plant Bug Lygus rugulipennis A small bug, about 5mm long, very variable in colour, but usually with a reddish 'tarnish' on the wings, and yellowish triangles towards the wing-tips. Finelydowny if seen under a lens or microscope. Habitat On a wide range of herbaceous plants, such as Stinging Nettle and Dock. and frequently abundant throughout. Season Mainly 4-5 and Miris striatus A conspicuous bug, with a slender body, up to 12mm long. Variable in colour, but predominantly brown, black and yellow, with yellowish-orange legs, and 2 yellow-orange triangles on the wings. Habitat Oak and other deciduous trees. and common throughout. Meadow Plant Bug Leptoterna dolabrata A medium-sized bug, up to 10mm long. Very variable in colour, but basically black and yellow, or black and reddish-orange, with the pronotum and scutellum strongly marked with black. Males fully winged, females usually short-winged. Habitat Rough fertile grassy places. and abundant throughout. Season Caps odes gothicus A small but reasonably conspicuous bug, up to 6 or 7mm long. The adults are boldly marked with black and yellow, while nymphs are black and red, with black hairs. Habitat Damp herbaceous vegetation. Status and distribution Local in the UK, absent from the north and upland areas; more widespread on the Continent. Calocoris stysi is similar, but longer and narrower. Widespread. Common Flower Bug, with prey Meadow Plant Bug, male!~ Caloco,!~_~trsj 96 HEMIPTERA

4 WATER BUGS A miscellaneous group of bugs, from various families, that have adopted an aquatic lifestyle. Some live on the surface of the water, others have developed the ability to remain submerged for long periods. A number of these bugs are distinctive enough to have attracted common names. Water Measurer Ilydroll1e1ra slagmjrl/l1l An inconspicuous, slender bug, up to 12mm long. Brown, with a very long thin head, and usually wingless, though winged forms occur. Moves slowly over the surface of the water, usually among vegetation. Carnivorous. Habitat Ponds, lakes and slow-moving waters, especially if well vegetated. through most of the UK and continental Europe, except the north. Normally present in small numbers. Season Water Cricket Velia cafjrai A small, inconspicuous insect, up to about 8mm long. Blackish-brown, with the abdomen yellow-orange, especially below. Most commonly wingless, but some have wings. A surface feeder. The 'cricket' name comes from its appearance; it has no call. Habitat Still or slow-moving waters, especially if shaded., though local, throughout; most common in hilly areas. Season Common Pondskater Gerris lacustris A familiar insect, with a narrow brownish body about I0-12mm long. Skates over the water surface on wide-spreading legs, grasping prey or carrion with front legs. Wings may be present, partly developed, or absent. Habitat Stilland slow-moving water of all kinds. Status and distribution Common and very widespread Season throughout. There are several other species of Pondskater, hard to separate without close examination. G. thorocicus is a species of nutrient-rich and even brackish waters. G. gibbi(er occurs mainly in lowland acid waters. Aquarius (Caris) Ilajas Similar to Pondskater, but distinctly larger, up to 20mm long, usually dark grey or blackish. There are pointed projections on either side of the seventh segment of the abdomen. Habitat Found in flowing and often welloxygenated water. and locally common, especially in hilly areas. Saucer Bug llyocoris cimicoides A medium-sized, squat, oval bug, about 15mm long. Shiny brown in colour, and the head looks rather like a Viking helmet in close-up! A highly predatory species (which may pierce human skin if handled) that swims underwater, carrying an air bubble. Habitat Well-vegetated ponds, where it may be quite abundant. Status and distribution Confined to southern Britain, though more widespread on the Continent. Locally common. Season May be active all year, but most often seen 4-5 and HEMIPTERA

Water Stick Insect Ranatra Water Scorpion NefJa cinerea Rather similar in structure to Water Stick Insect, but broader, more flattened and shorter overall.

5 Water Stick Insect Ranatra Water Scorpion NefJa cinerea Rather similar in structure to Water Stick Insect, but broader, more flattened and shorter overall. The 'tail' is more distinct, as the body tapers sharply to it, though it is used for the same purpose as in the Water Stick Insect. The front legs are more robust than those of Water Stick Insect, and more obviously predatory. Habitat Shallow well-vegetated water bodies. throughout lowland areas, though rarely common. Season linearis A curious and distinctive brown insect, up to 40mm long or more, with a long 'tail' half the length of the body. The 'tail' is hollow, and allows the insect to draw air from the surface when submerged. The front legs are modified for grasping prey, and look rather like antennae. Able to fly, but only rarely does so. Habitat Clean, well-vegetated ponds. Status and distribution Local and southern in the UK; widespread on the Continent. Season May be seen all year, except in very cold weather. active all year. Water Scorpion Water Boatman or Backswimmer NotrJllecta glallca A highly active, medium-sized bug, about 15mm long. Belongs to a distinctive group whose members swim upside down, carrying a large air bubble. The fully formed wings are pale greyish in this species. A powerful predator, also able to fly. Habitat Various types of still and slowmoving water. Status'" and distribution Widespread and frequent throughout. Season All year. N. macu/aw is the same size, but has the forewings mottled with orange, and an orange patch on the abdomen. N. obliqua has striped wings, and is a less common bog species. Sigara dorsalis A small group of species belonging to the genera Sigara and Corixa are often called Lesser Water Boatmen. This one is 6-8mm long, brown, often speckled with yellow. They are active insects, swimming the 'right' way up, and able to fly. Habitat Various types of water-bodies, including ponds, slow-flowing waters and slightly brackish ditches. Status and distribution Common and widespread. Season All year, most conspicuous in 4--5 and A number of other species occur, usually requiring magnified examination to distinguish them. In general, Corixa species are slightly larger and more bristly than Sigara species. Water Stick Insect Water Boatman I 00 HEM I P TE R A

Please consider using irecord Ranatra linearis The Water Stick Insect Nepa cinerea The Water Scorpion

Please consider using irecord Ranatra linearis The Water Stick Insect Nepa cinerea The Water Scorpion The aquatic bugs belong to the Hemiptera, Heteroptera. That is to say the Heteroptera is a group of about 40,000 species of insects worldwide within the group Hemiptera. Fortunately there are only around