Taphropeltus contractus

Length 3 to 4 mm. This species has very enlarged front femora.

The rarer Taphropeltus hamulatus is very similar but is smaller, darker and has shorter and proportionately wider antennae.

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species (a photograph alone is not normally sufficient because key features are too small or hidden).

Detailed examination may be necessary for a safe id. Size is also a key factor in identifying this species.

This species lives in the litter layer and sucks the seeds of many different types of herbaceous plants and shrubs but may also be seen on plants. It prefers half shady, dry warm habitats.

Adults can be found throughout the year. Mating occurs in May and the new generation appears in August.

There is one generation per year.

Widespread across southern Britain, becoming more coastal further north and west.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/taphropeltus_contractus.html