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Monalocoris filicis Bracken Bug
Family: Miridae

 A small bug found on ferns. The golden-brown colouring and pale orange head is quite distinctive. This species is always macropterous.

The only likely confusion species is Bryocoris pteridis, which is normally brachypterous; M. filicis may be distinguished by the 1st antennal segment, which is shorter than the width of the head.

Occurs on ferns, including but not limited to bracken, across the UK. It is often abundant where found, and feeds primarily on the sporangia.

Compare: Bryocoris pteridis

Adult: All year
Length 2-3 mm
 Monalocoris filicis
Adult: Huddersfield (May 2008) ©Joe Botting
Monalocoris filicis Monalocoris filicis
Adult: north Wales (June 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult: Berks (September 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson