taphropeltus contractus is a species in the family lygaeidae. it is found in the west palearctic - in europe, excepting the far north. in the south of europe the distribution includes the mediterranean basin including north africa. the east limit is the caucasus. in central europe the species is widespread and it is not uncommon in the south. north of the central uplands, it occurs but only locally. the species occurs only in warmer in the alps. it prefers half shady, dry warm habitats.