Stagonomus venustissimus

The species was first named by Fabricius as Cimex melanocephalus.[1] However this name had already been used by Linnaeus for the mirid bug now known as Phylus melanocephalus - at the time, the genus Cimex encompassed the entirety of the Heteroptera.

The replacement name Eysarcoris fabricii given by Kirkaldy in 1904 was used for many years, but Rider (1998)[2] pointed out the seniority of the name venustissimus, given by Schrank in 1776 (Schönste Wanze, most beautiful bug).[3]

This species has been recently transferred to the genus Stagonomus, so the correct name is Stagonomus venustissimus (Schrank, 1776).[4]

This species can be found in most of Europe.[5][6]

Stagonomus venustissimus can reach a length of 5–7 millimetres (0.20–0.28 in). These small bugs have a greenish-grey body. The head and the pronotum are copper coloured. They have a bronze-purple triangular stain at the base of the scutellum. The connexivum has black and white markings. The legs are whitish with black spots[7]

Stagonomus venustissimus is a univoltine species. The larvae are visible from late June to October, while the new generation of adults appear from August through the following July.[8]

The nymphs feed on hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), particularly the seeds, and on Lamiaceae species, especially on white dead-nettle (Lamium album).[7]

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  Mating
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  Eggs and young nymphs
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  Adult with final instar nymph
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  Imago

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• Nature Spot