Stictopleurus abutilon

Length 7 to 8 mm. Two Stictopleurus species have recently become established in the UK which had previously been considered extinct. The genus is characterised by the banded connexivum and the spatulate tip to the scutellum. The two species are very similar and best separated with reference to the fine detail of the pronotum. In Stictopleurus abutilon , the furrow behind the anterior margin includes two full circles (half circles in S. punctatonervosus ) and there is an unbroken transverse ridge without punctures in front of the furrow. This area is covered in tiny punctures in S punctatonervosus . Note that these characters are not easy to discern, and the specimen should be checked carefully to ensure it shows all the above features . Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species. Adult: All year; new generation complete by August. It was considered extinct in the UK, but was re-found in 1992, probably as the result of a re-introduction. The distribution was initially centred around the Thames gateway area of Kent and Essex, but this species is now found throughout much of southern England and appears to be spreading northwards. It is less common than S punctatonervosus.