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Delphacinus mesomelas
Family: Delphacidae

 A small and mainly brachypterous planthopper although macropterous forms of both sexes do occur. Note the rather pointed vertex.

Males are very black and white in appearance with a pale forebody and forewings, contrasting with a mainly dark abdomen which has a pale band before the genital segment. In females the abdomen is yellowish-brown. Macropters generally have a darker forebody and in particular a darker scutellum.

 Locally common throughout much of Britain in dry grassland habitats feeding on fescues.

Adult: June to August
Length 2.0-4.0 mm 
 Delphacinus mesomelas
Adult male: Yorks (June 2008) ©Joe Botting
Delphacinus mesomelas Delphacinus mesomelas
Adult male: north Wales (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 		Adult male: north Wales (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Delphacinus mesomelas Delphacinus mesomelas
Adult female: Yorks (June 2008) ©Joe Botting

 Adult macropter: Yorks (June 2008) ©Joe Botting