About Coptosoma scutellatum (Geoffroy, 1785)
Coptosoma scutellatum (Geoffroy, 1785) is a small true bug that reaches an adult size of approximately 4 to 5 mm. Individuals of this species are almost spherical or trapezoidal in shape, with a shiny deep black color that sometimes has a green, blue, or bronze gloss. The side edges of the abdomen are yellow, the scutellum covers the entire abdomen, and the tarsus is bipartite. This species can be found across most of southern Europe, and its overall range extends from North Africa to Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan. It is not present in the British Isles within Europe. It is one of only four Coptosoma species found in Europe; most other species in the genus are restricted to Asia and Ethiopia. These are thermophile bugs that inhabit dry, warm areas with moderately dense herbaceous vegetation, including lawns, and areas with limestone, clay, or sandy soils. In the Alps, it is especially common in valleys, but can be found at elevations up to 1000 meters above sea level where conditions are suitable.
