Pine cone bug

Found this lovely little pine cone bug Gastrodes grossipes scurrying around below some Scots pines, near Wolsingham in Weardale today. 

The adult bugs overwinters in a secure spot and mate soon after emergence in spring. The nymphs that hatch from the eggs feed on the soft tissues of pine - especially the developing green cones, and reach maturity in early autumn.

Adult bugs often shelter between the open scales of mature pine cones.