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Heterocordylus tibialis
Family: Miridae

A small genus comprising two species, all of which are medium-sized black mirids covered in flattened scale-like pale hairs.

H. tibialis is distinguished by the brownish tibiae and by the width of the 2nd antennal segment, which is only slightly thickened towards the apex.

A common bug throughout Britain on Common Broom Cytisus scoparius, the only host-plant. Nymphs become adult early in the season, although rarely survive beyond mid-summer.

Adult: May-July
Length 4.5-5.5 mm
 Heterocordylus tibialis
Adult female: north Wales (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Heterocordylus tibialis Heterocordylus tibialis
Adult female: east London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
 Adult male: east London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock
Heterocordylus tibialis Heterocordylus tibialis nymph
Adult male: east London (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock Nymph: north London (April 2009) ©Tristan Bantock