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Orius niger
Family: Anthocoridae

Orius is a group of very small, predatory bugs that can be difficult to separate. In some cases, microscopic examination is necessary for species identification.

O. niger
is the only easily recognisable species, being almost entirely black except for the antennae and front tibiae; even the membrane is dark. Paler examples are common, however, and only the darkest forms are particularly distinctive. A single hair is present on both the
anterior and posterior angles of the pronotum.

A common species on low plants (especially on heaths) as far north as Yorkshire.

Adult: All year
Length ~2 mm
Orius niger
Adult: north London (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Orius niger
Adult: north London (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock