Microplontus melanostigma

Description

1.7-2.7. Body black but covered in grey, white and brown scales, mostly without forming a distinct pattern except along the elytral suture. A white arrow is behind the scutellum followed by a brownish bar. The rostrum is black. Antennae, tibia and tarsi are red-brown. The pronotum forms an upturned collar behind the head and with two small teeth either side of the disc.

Similar Species

Microplontus campestris has a clearer white scale pattern that forms a 'W' across the elytra.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • 1.7-2.7mm
  • Body + rostrum black
  • Pale arrow shape behind scutellum
  • Brown bar behind this along the elytral suture
  • Pronotum with small teeth either side of the disc
Habitat

On mayweeds.

When to see it

March to October

UK Status

Widespread in England and Wales, particularly in the south-east, but not very common.

VC55 Status

Uncommon.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Order:
Family:
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
26/06/2025 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
26/06/2025 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records