Platypygius platypygius (Pantel, 1886)

Habitat:
Platypygius platypygius is only recorded in a very special type of habitat. It inhabits those areas along rivers and lakes which are flooded in winter and dry out in summer. The vegetation mostly consists of low-growing grasses and herbs with plenty of bare ground. Grazing obviously has a positive influence as long as it is not too intense.

Life cycle:
The larvae usually hatch when the water has withdrawn. The adults are mostly found from July. They are most common in autumn. In late September 2018 I found many adults, but still several larvae in the Giara di Gesturi (Sardinia). Accompanying species are often Paratettix meridionalis and Aiolopus sp.

Remarks:
Platypygius platypygius is found in N-Africa. In Europe it is known locally in Spain, Sardinia and Sicily.