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Lygus rugulipennis Tarnished Plant Bug
Family: Miridae
Nau, B. S. (2004) Identification of plantbugs in the genus Lygus in Britain

This genus is one of the most problematic mirid groups to identify. The five UK species can overlap considerably in colour, markings and size; some specimens cannot be determined. The most reliable identification features concern the fine detaill of the middle of the corium, and are visible only at high resolution. Characters given by Southwood & Leston (1959) are misleading; the above reference (Nau, 2004) summarises current knowledge.

Key features of L. rugulipennis:

- Pubescence on middle of corium very dense; lateral spacing of the hairs generally << hair length.
- Punctures on middle of corium closely spaced and almost touching.
- Very variable in colouration and markings.
- Smaller (5.0-6.0 mm).
A very common and widespread bug which can be found on many plants, particularly fat hen, nettle, dock, clovers and many Asteraceae.

Compare L. pratensis, L. maritimus, L. wagneri
Adult: All year
Lygus rugulipennis
Adult: Essex (August 2015) ©Tristan Bantock

Lygus rugulipennis Lygus rugulipennis
Adult: Detail of corium ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: north London (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Lygus rugulipennis Lygus rugulipennis Tarnished Plant Bug
Adult: Cambs (October 2010) ©Will George

Adult: Gwynedd (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Lygus rugulipennis Lygus rugulipennis
Adult: Yorks (October 2008) ©Joe Botting

Adult: Berkshire (March 2011) ©Jonathan Michaelson