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Leptopterna dolabrata
Family: Miridae

 Leptopterna species are large and common grass bugs which often have reddish or orange-yellow forewings. They have a transverse furrow between the eyes and the legs and antennae are covered in long dark hairs.

There are two very similar species, both of which are sexually dimorphic. Males are always macropterous (fully-winged) and females usually brachypterous (partly-winged).

Male: Colour darkens with age, from black and yellow (right) to black and orange-red (below). The length of the 2nd antennal segment is much greater than the 3rd and 4th combined.

Female: The 2nd antennal segment is thinner than the base of the front tibia.

A common and widespread bug throughout the UK, feeding on a variety of grasses; more common in damper habitats than L. ferrugata.

Compare: L. ferrugata.

Adult: June-September
Length 8.0-8.5 mm
 Leptopterna dolabrata
Adult male: ©northeastwildlife
Leptopterna dolabrata Leptopterna dolabrata
Adult male: north London (June 2007) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult male: Worcs (June 2008) ©Brian Kilford
Leptopterna dolabrata Leptopterna dolabrata
Adult female: ©northeastwildlife

 Adult female: Cheshire (August 2005) ©Shane Farrell
Leptopterna nymph
Leptoterna sp nymph: (May 2007) ©Tristan Bantock