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Psallus betuleti Family: Miridae The Psallus group includes many small bugs (< 6 mm) which are often mottled red, grey or dark brown. The pronotum and forewings are covered in scale like pale hairs and the tibial spines arise from black spots. Species identification of Psallus based on external features is often difficult and frequently impossible. However, the hostplant can be informative, and may narrow down the range of possibilities. P. betuleti is one of the few Psallus species which can be more easily recognised, particularly females. The large size and deep red colouration (more black-brown in males) separate it from all others. The antennae are black, with the middle of the 2nd segment reddish in females. Found on birch across the UK, but not generally abundant. Adult: May-August(?) Length ~5 mm
	Adult female: London (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult female: London (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock	Adult female: Huddersfield (June 2008) ©Joe Botting