The status of Lepidocyrtus paradoxus in Britain and Ireland is not clear. Judging from descriptions in the literature, it is a heavily pigmented species with strong blue colouration on the head, thorax and abdomen. The second thoracic segment (th2) is very prominent and there are scales present on the legs, and all four segments of the antennae (ant1 to ant4). Morphologically, it is similar to Lepidocyrtus curvicollis. In the test version of the AIDGAP key, I reported Lepidocyrtus paradoxus as being common in my garden in Reading but I now think that these specimens were Lepidocyrtus curvicollis as they appeared much less densely-pigmented in 70% alcohol than in life or in photographs. The only specimen labelled as Lepidocyrtus 'paradoxus' in the NHML slide collection (collected from Glenamoy, Mayo by Blackith in 1970) has no scales on ant3 or ant4. Also, the second thoracic segment is not particularly prominent. It is probably Lepidocyrtus violaceus.
     The record of Womersley (1930) from the Bristol area is unlikely to have been Lepidocyrtus paradoxus as he said it is in the group which have the 'mesonotum [i.e. th2] not, or but very slightly overhanging the head'. Apart from the level of blue pigmentation, the only difference between Lepidocyrtus paradoxus and Lepidocyrtus curvicollis appears to be the extent of 'ciliation' of the setae on the labium. The number (eleven), lengths (two short, nine long) and positions of the setae are identical in the two species. However, in Lepidocyrtus curvicollis, only the two small setae are ciliated; the longer ones are all smooth. In Lepidocyrtus paradoxus, in addition to the two small setae, four of the longer setae are also ciliated and only five are smooth.
     There is clearly a need to carefully check specimens which are reputed to be Lepidocyrtus 'paradoxus' before its presence on the British/Irish list can be accepted.

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