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Mecomma ambulans
Family: Miridae

Mecomma species are sexually dimorphic; males are macropterous and females usually brachypterous.

Males are separated from the more local M. dispar by the entirely dark antennae and by the pronotum, which is clearly wider than the head.

Females have all dark forewings, the 1st antennal segment is dark and the 2nd segment is not clubbed. The dark head readily distinguishes this sex from Orthonotus
rufifrons.

A fairly common species throughout the UK, inhabiting rank vegetation, particularly at woodland edges.

Compare: Tupiocoris rhododendri, O. rufifrons

Adult: June-September
Length 2.5-4.5 mm
Mecomma ambulans
Adult male: north Wales (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Mecomma ambulans Mecomma ambulans
Adult female: mid Wales (July 2008) ©Joe Botting

Adult male: Yorks (July 2008) ©Joe Botting
Mecomma ambulans
Nymph: Yorks (June 2008) ©Joe Botting