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Tingis cardui Spear Thistle Lacebug Family: Tingidae Tingis species are grey-brown lacebugs which are covered in white powdery deposits made of wax. The 4th antennal segment is clearly broader than 3rd and there are three frontal processes (small projections arising from the front of the head between the antennae). They are always fully-winged. T. cardui is found commonly throughout most of Britain on Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare. It is distinguished from other Tingis species by the black-tipped antennae and tibiae and by the 2-3 rows of meshes at the edge of the pronotum and along the margins of the forewings. The two projections arising just behind the eyes (occipital processes) are very short, and do not extend beyond the frontal processes. Overwinters as an adult and lay eggs on the foodplant in the spring and early summer. Larvae June-September; the new adult generation is complete from July onwards. Compare T. ampliata Adult: All year Length 3-4 mm
	Adult: Herts (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: Yorks (May 2008) ©Joe Botting	Adult: Cheshire (May 2008) ©Shane Farrell
Adult: Herts (June 2010) ©Tristan Bantock	Nymph: Wales (August 2007) ©Joe Botting