Meadow Plant Bug

Length 8.0-8.5 mm. Leptopterna species are large and common grass bugs which often have reddish or orange-yellow forewings. They have a transverse furrow between the eyes and the legs and antennae are covered in long dark hairs. There are two very similar species, both of which are sexually dimorphic. Males are always fully-winged and females usually partly-winged. Male: Colour darkens with age, from black and yellow to black and orange-red. The length of the 2nd antennal segment is much greater than the 3rd and 4th combined. Female: The 2nd antennal segment is thinner than the base of the front tibia. The nymphs of L. dolabrata and L. ferrugata can be almost impossible to separate in the field and for this reason images of nymphs may be placed in a red box to indicate that certain id has not been confirmed and they can only be said to be representative of this species. Leptopterna dolabrata is more common in damper habitats than Leptopterna ferrugata , feeding on a variety of grasses. A common and widespread bug throughout Britain.