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Capsus ater
Family: Miridae

 This common bug is characterised by its rather oval body shape, black forewings and 2nd antennal segment, which is swollen towards the apex. The widest part of this segment is more than twice as broad as the narrowest section. The head and pronotum of adults vary in colour from rusty brown to blackish, while the larvae are purple-brown.

Widespread throughout the UK in grasslands, where it is associated with numerous species of Gramineae. Unlike most capsid bugs, it feeds low down on the stems, rather than on flower spikes and developing grains.

Adult: June-September
Length 5-6 mm
 Capsus ater
Adult: northern Ireland (August 2006) ©John Doherty
Capsus ater nymph Capsus ater
Adult: Worcs (July 2008) ©Brian Kilford

 Adult: Essex (June 2007) ©Neil Phillips
Capsus ater Capsus ater nymph
Adult: north Wales (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock Late instar nymph: north Wales (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock