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Pyrrhocoris apterus Firebug Family: Pyrrhocoridae This common European bug is on the northernmost edge of its range in Britain and is the sole member of its family to occur here. A very distinctive species which should be unmistakeable; be sure to rule out Corizus hyoscyami which is superficially similar. Usually brachypterous in Britain, but macropterous adults have recently been recorded. Historically 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 macropterous 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. Adult: All year Length 8.5-10 mm
	Brachypterous adult: Portugal (February 2014) ©Tristan Bantock
Macropterous adult: Spain (June 2013) ©Tristan Bantock	Adults: Jersey (February 2009) ©Tim Ransom