Taphropeltus contractus is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae (or Rhyparochromidae, depending on the taxonomic classification). It was first described by Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1835.
Distribution
The species is found in the West Palearctic region, across much of Europe except the far north. Its range extends southward through the Mediterranean Basin into North Africa, and eastward to the Caucasus. In Central Europe, it is widespread and not uncommon in the south. North of the central uplands, it occurs but only locally. Within the Alps, it is found only in warmer areas.
Habitat and Ecology
Taphropeltus contractus prefers half-shady, dry, warm habitats. It lives in the litter layer and feeds by sucking seeds from a variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs. During the mating season in early summer, adults can also be found on the plants themselves.
Life Cycle
Adults (imagines) hibernate. Pairing begins in May. Nymphs are present from June through autumn, and the new generation of adult bugs appears in August. The species produces one generation per year.
Identification
The genus Taphropeltus is distinguished from other small lygaeids by the shape of the head, which is constricted behind the eyes, and by eyes that are rather distant from the pronotum. The similar but rarer Taphropeltus hamulatus is smaller, darker, and has shorter and proportionately wider antennae.
