About Metatropis rufescens (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1835)
Metatropis rufescens is a species of true bug. Its range extends across Europe, excluding the far north and far south, and continues east to the Black Sea region, spanning the Palearctic all the way to Siberia. In Central Europe, the species is common, though it does not occur in every location. Across the British Isles, it is common in southern areas, including Wales and Ireland. This species lives in shady, mostly moist habitats within deciduous forests. Metatropis rufescens feeds exclusively on plants in the genus Circaea: Circaea lutetiana, Circaea × intermedia, and in the Alps, Circaea alpina. It feeds predominantly on the reproductive organs of these host plants. The species overwinters in its adult (imago) stage under loose bark or in dry ground litter. Mating takes place in May. Flight-active individuals can be found not only on their food plants, but also on other herbaceous plants and even trees. Females lay their eggs individually during June and July on the stems and leaves of Circaea plants. New generation adult imagines emerge starting in August, and sometimes as early as July, while nymphs can be found until September.
