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Plagiognathus arbustorum
Family: Miridae

This extremely common bug is found throughout the UK on a range of plants, particularly nettles.

Although the ground colour varies from pale olive-green to almost black, the head and front of the pronotum are usually dark, as are the 1st and 2nd antennal segments. The dark margins of the hind femora are a very useful identification feature; these are present in late instar nymphs also. The spines on the hind tibiae are equal to or longer than the tibial width and generally arise from black spots. The pronotum and forewings are covered in dark hairs.

Compare: Plagiognathus chrysanthemi
Adult: July-October
Length ~4 mm
 Plagiognathus arbustorum
Adult: Leics (July 2008) ©David Gould
Plagiognathus arbustorum
 Plagiognathus arbustorum
Adult: Leics (July 2008) ©David Gould

 Adult: Berks (July 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Plagiognathus arbustorum Plagiognathus arbustorum
Adult: south London (June 2007) ©Joe Botting Adult: north London (July 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Plagiognathus arbustorum Plagiognathus arbustorum
Late instar nymph: Worcs (June 2008) ©Brian Kilford Final instar nymph: Berks (July 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson