Taxonomy
Rhacognathus punctatus | Heather Bug
Distribution
Species Biology
Identification
Red or orange middle third to the tibia of the otherwise dark legs and a red line through the pronotum.
Habitat
Raised bogs and heaths with abundant heather and low growing shrubs.
Life cycle
Adults may be seen through the year, except for July. Nymphs are found from June to August.
Similar species
The Heather Shieldbug is most similar to the Bronze Shieldbug but is smaller and has a red and less metallic ground colour. The red band on the legs is diagnostic.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
It is found in the northern third of Ireland, but is not common.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2023
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