Summary
Arocatus roeselii is a species of lygaeid bug.
| Arocatus roeselii | |
|---|---|
| |
| Arocatus roeselii, upperside | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Lygaeidae |
| Genus: | Arocatus |
| Species: | A. roeselii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Arocatus roeselii (Schilling, 1829)
| |
Distribution edit
This species can be found in most of Europe, in the Middle East and Caucasus.[1][2] It is not present in the British isles.
In 2008, it was reported in large numbers in London by the Natural History Museum, London, England, but the species was later identified as a related species, Arocatus longiceps, that has a more elongated head and generally a reddish body.
Habitat edit
These bugs preferably live under the bark of Alder or Sycamore.[3]
Description edit
Arocatus roeselii can reach a length of 6–7.2 millimetres (0.24–0.28 in).[4] This species is very variable. The upperside of these bugs is red and black, while the abdomen is orange. Head, antennae, scutellum and legs are black. Connexivum is red. Hemelytral membrane is translucent, dark brown. The head length is about the same as the distance between the eyes.[2][5]
Biology edit
Adult bugs are present all year around with several generations. They overwinter communally under bark. Mating takes place in May. The larvae develop in spring. The new generation adults at the beginning of the summer.[3]
They feed on the seeds of Plane trees (genus Platanus), on alders (Alnus glutinosa, Alnus incana) and in other deciduous trees.[4][2][5]
References edit
External links edit
Media related to Arocatus roesellii at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Arocatus roeselii at Wikispecies
