Rhacognathus punctatus


Rhacognathus punctatus, the Heather Bug, is a species of stink bugs.

Description

Rhacognathus punctatus can reach a length of. This predatory stink bug has a mottled metallic bronze-brown shieldbug, extended shoulders, a pale longitudinal line on the pronotum and dark brown legs with a whitish band on the tibia. Females lay their eggs in May and June, while the adults are present throughout the year. Adults of these bugs prey on the larvae of leaf beetles and Chrysomelidae species, especially on the larvae of Lochmaea caprea and Lochmaea suturalis.

Distribution

This species is present in most of Europe.

Habitat

This stink bug prefers the edges of heaths, moors and lowland mires.