Spurgebug (Dicranocephalus medius)

I have no idea how many insects I've observed in my garden over the past 23 years, but it must be many thousands? Yet sometimes, you know the second you spot something that you've never seen it before.

Thus was the case with this Nationally Notable B (scarce) species, today.

Spurgebugs (Family:Stenocephalidae, Genus: Dicranocephalus) get their name, unsurprisingly, from their association with 'Spurge' plants, also known as Euphorbia.

This is a small genus with only two (very similar) species present in the UK, distinctive with their banded antennae. D. agilis is limited to coastal dunes in Wales and SW England, whereas D. medius is associated with woodland clearings (and now my garden) predominently in central and southern England, which is the reason I can be confident of the ID.

Adults measure approx. 8-11mm and although scarce, can be found all year. Mating takes place in May (if they can find each other!) with new generation adults emerging in August.