Tarnished Plant Bug

Length 5 to 6 mm. This genus is one of the most problematic mirid groups to identify. The five UK species can overlap considerably in colour, markings and size; some specimens cannot be determined. The most reliable identification features concern the fine detail of the corium, and are visible only at high resolution. Detailed examination by an expert is needed for definite identification to species level. Where an image appears in a red box it is likely to be L. rugulipennis and can be said to be representative of this species, but has not been confirmed by expert detailed examination. One of the smaller Lygus species, L. rugulipennis has a densely pubescent corium. It is variable in colour, ranging from yellowish brown to dull purple; females are often paler and less strongly marked than males. Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify this species. A photograph alone is not normally sufficient because key features are not obvious and there are one or more similar species. To increase the chances of your record being verified please take several sharp images from different angles as the fine detail required for ID can be hard to see. (You can submit up to 4 images per record.) It can be found on many plants, particularly fat hen, nettle, dock, clovers etc. All year, particularly abundant in the autumn. The genus Lygus is probably the most difficult of the Miridae. The most reliable identification feature is the separation of the hairs on the Corium. See Bernard Nau's article for more information http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/HetNews/Issue%203_Spring%202004_422Kb.pdf