Cymus glandicolor

Description

Length 4 to 5 mm.  The four bugs in this genus are distinctively shaped and have a highly punctured body and forewings. However, they can be difficult to separate.  Cymus glandicolor has a pale keel on the scutellum, and dark markings on the cubital wing vein. These markings are roughly parallel to the edge of the forewing, pointing towards the base of the corium. 

Similar Species

In the similar but much rarer Cymus aurescens, these markings are more oblique to the wing edge and point towards it. The tibiae are usually pale.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species (a photograph alone is not normally sufficient because key features are too small or hidden).

Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Found in damper habitats such as damp meadows, marshes and dune slacks, feeding on sedges.

When to see it

Adult: All year

UK Status

Found widely in England and Wales, and recently recorded from Scotland.

VC55 Status

Probably under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - true bug (Hemiptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Lygaeidae
Records on NatureSpot:
11
First record:
26/07/2021 (Timms, Sue)
Last record:
16/04/2026 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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