Firebug - record shot!
I was very excited to day to spot four Firebugs - Pyrrhocoris apterus - on a walk near Hollesley in Suffolk! They were very fast and sadly this is the best shot I managed!
The Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) is a common European bug on the northernmost edge of its range in Britain. It is the sole member of its family to occur here.
Historically Firebugs are very rare and known only from a single Devon population, but many other colonies have been recently reported from Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Suffolk, Kent and Bedfordshire, most of which are probably the result of accidental introductions. The appearance of individuals capable of flight may allow the species to spread here much more effectively in the future.
Usually associated with Tree Mallow and lime trees, feeding on the fruits. It forms dense and conspicuous aggregations in the spring, prior to mating.
Firebug - record shot!
I was very excited to day to spot four Firebugs - Pyrrhocoris apterus - on a walk near Hollesley in Suffolk! They were very fast and sadly this is the best shot I managed!
The Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) is a common European bug on the northernmost edge of its range in Britain. It is the sole member of its family to occur here.
Historically Firebugs are very rare and known only from a single Devon population, but many other colonies have been recently reported from Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Suffolk, Kent and Bedfordshire, most of which are probably the result of accidental introductions. The appearance of individuals capable of flight may allow the species to spread here much more effectively in the future.
Usually associated with Tree Mallow and lime trees, feeding on the fruits. It forms dense and conspicuous aggregations in the spring, prior to mating.