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Pantilius tunicatus
Family: Miridae

Reasonably common and widepread across southern Britain at least, this bug may be found on the lower branches of hazel, alder and birch.

The large size (antennae shorter than the body) and spectacular colouring make it almost unmistakeable. The extent of the red markings is variable, and newly emerged adults can be almost entirely green. It is a late season species and usually does not appear until September.

Adult: September-October
Length 8-10mm
 Pantilius tunicatus
Adult: south London (September 2007) ©Joe Botting
Pantilius tunicatus adult Pantilius tunicatus
Adult: Suffolk (October 2008) ©Elizabeth Grimes
 Adult: Surrey (September 2008) ©Ashley Wood
Pantilius tunicatus Pantilius tunicatus
Adult: Berks (September 2007) ©Jonathan Michaelson
 Adult: Hants (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Pantilius tunicatus nymph Pantilius tunicatus nymph
Nymph: Hants (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Final instar nymph: Hants (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock