Enoplops scapha, or the Boat Bug, is a dark grey squashbug (Coreidae family) about 11-13mm long, known for cream spots on its abdomen edge, feeding on Asteraceae plants (like Mayweed), overwintering as adults, and found in coastal dunes/cliffs in Europe, distinguished from similar bugs by short facial spines and rounded shoulders.
Identification & Appearance
Size: 11-13 mm long.
Color: Dark gray/brown with distinct cream or whitish spots (connexivum).
Key Feature: Short, whitish spines on its head (tilo) near the antennae, distinguishing it from the similar E. bos.
Nymphs: Start green with spiny antennae, later become similar to adults but with pointed abdominal segments (tergites).
Habitat & Diet
Habitat: Prefers dry, open areas like sand dunes and soft cliffs in coastal regions.
Food: Herbivorous, feeding on plants from the Asteraceae (daisy) family, such as Common Storksbill (Erodium cicutarium) and Scentless Mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum).
Behavior & Life Cycle
Overwintering: Adults survive the winter (overwinter).
Reproduction: Can have two broods if conditions are right, with adults present all year.
Defense: Like other bugs, it likely releases a scent when threatened, often described as "freshly cut grass".
Where to Find
Location: Common in the British Isles (coasts from Kent to North Wales) and other parts of Europe, North Africa, and China.
Search: Inspect host plants (Asteraceae) on leaves and stems.
