| This is a small beetle (c3.5mm) and at first
glance very similar to many leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae)
yet Contacyphon laevipennis actually belongs to the Scirtidae
family.
There are numerous confusion species and many Contacyphon
(formerly Cyphon) are
difficult to identify. We found good numbers of this
beetle under bark, or within old Bulrush stems at Rufford
Country Park in February 2013, but it is widespread at wetland sites
across Nottinghamshire. The specimen in the top two photographs, was
kindly provided by Nick and Samantha Brownley. |
