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Phytocoris varipes Family: Miridae Phytocoris species have a distinctive appearance due to the long hind femora and long 1st antennal segment. Only Miridius quadrivirgatus has the same shape. The ground colour of P. varipes varies from pale pinkish brown to red-brown and there are longitudinal markings on the upper surface. The hairs on the 1st antennal segment are shorter than its width (see below).  P. ulmi is similar, but is more uniformly marked and the 1st antennal segment is thinner and has longer hairs. P. varipes may be impossible to separate reliably from the much rarer P. insignis, a very scarce species confined to southern heathland. Widespread and often common in rough grassland where it feeds on the flowers and fruits of a range of plants, although absent from the far north of Britain. Adult: June-October Length 6-7 mm
	Adult: north London (August 2007) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: detail of head and 1st antennal segment ©Joe Botting	Adult: Berks (August 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Adult: north London (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock	Nymph: north London (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock