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Home » Terrestrial Invertebrates » Arenocoris waltlii - (Herrich-Schäffer, 1835)
Terrestrial Invertebrates
Arenocoris waltlii (Herrich-Schäffer, 1835)
Nomenclature
Species:
Arenocoris waltlii (Herrich-Schäffer, 1835)
Usage:
valid
Vernacular names:
Vernacular name:
Breckland Leatherbug
SUMMARY
The Breckland Leatherbug is a very rare ground bug first recorded in Britain at West Walton on Norfolk's fenland border, but considered to be extinct in the UK before its rediscovery in 2011. This species is more characteristic of the Brecks of Norfolk and Suffolk which provide most confirmed records and give the species its common name. Identification is tricky as it is very similar to the widespread Fallen's Leatherbug (Arenocoris fallenii) which occurs in similar habitats. The Breckland bug lacks two rows of pale spines which form a 'V' shape behind the head in the common species. Both bugs are found in dry sandy areas around the roots of Common Storksbill on which they feed.
Text: Rob Coleman