About Graphosoma italicum (O.F.Müller, 1766)
Graphosoma italicum can reach a body length of 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in). It has an almost round body with a large shield. The basic color of the body’s upper surface is red, marked with wide black longitudinal stripes. Six black bands are present on the pronotum, and the antennae are entirely black. The sides of the abdominal segments (known as connexivum) are red with many small black spots. Its legs are mostly black, a trait that distinguishes this species from its close relative Graphosoma lineatum. This species is distributed across the Western Palearctic, and is found throughout the Mediterranean region. Its northern distribution limit fluctuates strongly; in recent decades, the northern border in western and central Europe has expanded significantly northward, and the species now occurs as far as the North Sea and Baltic Sea, including Jutland and southern Finland. In Germany, the species is found everywhere except the northwest, and is not rare in many regions. In Austria, it is widespread but only frequent locally. Graphosoma italicum inhabits open to partially shaded areas in habitats that range from dry to more humid. One subspecies, G. i. sardiniensis, is found only in Sardinia.
