Scolopostethus grandis

A difficult genus including some common species; all have one large and several small spines on the front femur. The sides of the pronotum are keeled and have a large and obvious pale spot just behind the middle. Underside characters are important in most species and specimens should be collected for reliable identification. Scolopostethus grandis has a length of 3.9 to 4.6 mm, the 1st antennal segment is pale and the 2nd partly darkened. The mesosternum (the area of the abdominal underside in front of the middle legs) bears a pair of obvious curved tubercles in males and a pair of smaller inconspicuous tubercles in females. These are usually very difficult to see in live specimens or photographs. Adults may be brachypterous or macropterous.

Compare: S. affinis, S. thomsoni, S. puberulus.

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).

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

Found in leaf litter in various habitats.

Adult: All year

Common and widespread in England.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.