Lygaeus equestris

Knight Bug ( Lygaeus equestris )

The Knights bug ( Lygaeus equestris ) is one of the most common in Central Europe species of bugs from the family of chinch bugs ( Lygaeidae ). The Knights bug is an insect of the year 2007.

Features

Knight Bugs are fully grown about eleven to twelve millimeters long. They are recognized by the red and black drawing of their body surface area, the fully developed wings and long, powerful legs. The black spots on the top of a form reminiscent of a knight cross pattern, whereupon the German name of this bug refers. Characteristic is also depending on a circular white spot on the membranes, the characteristic for bedbugs trained forewing ( Hemielytren ). Since overlap the membranes, they appear united in a single spot.

They can be confused with the Commons Feuerwanzen ( Pyrrhocoris apterus ).

Distribution and habitat

The species is distributed from southern England to Siberia and Central Sweden to the Mediterranean. To the north of the highlands, it is rare. One finds this sort being frequently in warmer layers on dry grasslands, in open woods, in thickets and ruderal areas. The animals often run sociable around on the ground or climb on plants.

Way of life

The red and black markings of the Knights bugs has a deterrent effect and serves to protect the animals ( Mullerian or Batesian mimicry ). Larger accumulations of such species increase the deterrent signal effect against predators. How many bugs, the knights bug on plant juices nourished. She lives especially in swallow-wort ( Vincetoxicum hirundinaria ), pheasant's eye (Adonis vernalis ), and sometimes on dandelions. By storing or converting the toxic ingredients in their food plants they are unpalatable to potential predators.

The partner determination is carried out by sounds that can be heard by the human ear barely. The act of mating can take up to 24 hours. Eggs are laid in loose soil litter. The animals are about a year old and overwinter in the adult stage.

System

The paraphyletic group of chinch bug has been divided into eleven families in 1997. Since the new structure is still controversial, here are the chinch bugs are considered according to the old system, after the Knights bug ( Lygaeus equestris ) is placed in the subfamily of Lygaeinae.