About Sehirus luctuosus Mulsant & Rey, 1866
Sehirus luctuosus, commonly known as the Forget-me-not Bug, is a burrowing shieldbug that belongs to the family Cydnidae. This species ranges from Europe to Central Asia, and it is widespread and not uncommon across Central Europe. In the Alps, it can be found on sunny slopes up to nearly 2000 meters above sea level. Adult Sehirus luctuosus measure between 6.2 and 8.3 millimeters in length. Their bodies are completely black, and only sometimes develop a bronze sheen. The second antennal segment, called the pedicellus, is much paler than the other antennal segments. Sehirus luctuosus feeds on plant species in the genus Anchusa, Echium vulgare, forget-me-nots of the genus Myosotis, and violet species including Viola riviniana. Pairing takes place at the end of April and through May. During this period, adult imagines can be found running and flying on many different plant species. Nymphs live on the ground below the host food plants. Nymphs are primarily active in June and July, while new adult generations emerge starting in late July or August. There is one generation of Sehirus luctuosus per year.
