Pine Cone Bug - Gastrodes grossipes

Length 6 to 7 mm. Gastrodes species are rather broad and flattened bugs which are associated with conifers. In Gastrodes grossipes has an overall dark red-brown colouration with dark sides to the front of the pronotum, and the 1st antennal segment extends beyond the head.

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species (a photograph alone is not normally sufficient because there are one or more similar species).

Usually found on Scots Pine.

All year round.

Scots Pine is the main foodplant.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.