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Psallus varians Family: Miridae The Psallus group includes many small bugs (< 6 mm) which are often mottled red, grey or dark brown. The pronotum and forewings are covered in scale like pale hairs and the tibial spines arise from black spots. Species identification of Psallus based on external features is often difficult and frequently impossible. However, the hostplant can be informative, and may narrow down the range of possibilities. Several very similar Psallus species occur on oak, one of which is P. varians. Identification is complex and ideally requires microscopic examination. A very common bug across Britain; the adults and larvae feeding on small insects as well as the host trees.  Adult: May-August Length ~4 mm
	Adult: north London (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: Cheshire (June 2008) ©Shane Farrell	Adult: Cheshire (June 2008) ©Shane Farrell