Range & Status

A widespread European bug with a southern/south-eastern distribution in Britain.

Regional Distribution

There are no recent records from Cornwall, the last records being at St. Erth in 1962 and Porthleven in 1968.

Habitat & Ecology

This species is very wide-ranging in its habitat preferences, including open areas in woodland and dry coastal grasslands where it may be found in moss, amongst grass or other vegetation, and amongst stones or litter on partly bare ground. Adults overwinter in moss and grass tussocks. It is believed to be a seed-feeder but no specific plant associations are known. Usually short-winged and unable to fly, but fully-winged individuals are occasionally reported.

Threats

Loss of early successional vegetation, including scrubbing over of woodland glades and ride-sides, and the abandonment of rough pastures leading to coarsening of vegetation and scrub development.

Conservation

Conservation for this species in Cornwall can only occur when its precise localities have been identified.