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Heterocordylus tibialis
Family: Miridae

 A small genus comprising three species, all of which are medium-sized black mirids covered in flattened scale-like pale hairs. They are associated with broom, dyer's greenwood and gorse respectively.

H. tibialis is distinguished by the brownish tibiae and by the width of the 2nd antennal segment, which is only slightly thickened towards the apex.

A common bug throughout the UK on broom, the only host-plant. Nymphs become adult early in the season, although rarely survive beyond mid-summer.

Adult: May-July
Length 4.5-5.5 mm
 Heterocordylus tibialis
Adult: north Wales (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Heterocordylus tibialis Heterocordylus tibialis
Adult: east London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
 Adult: east London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Heterocordylus tibialis Heterocordylus tibialis nymph
Adult: east London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock Nymph: north London (April 2009) ©Tristan Bantock