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Blepharidopterus angulatus
Black Kneed Capsid
Family: Miridae

A slender and parallel-sided blue-green species with black patches at the base of the rather bristly tibia ('knees'), parts of the antennae and at the posterior angles of the pronutum. The length of the 1st antennal segment is roughly equal to the width of the head. The antennae are usually very long in males. The yellow markings on the scutellum and forewings are variable.

A very common bug throughout Britain on many deciduous trees, including birch, alder, apple, lime, and ash. Partly predatory, feeding largely on red spider mites. 

Adult: June - October
Length 5-6 mm
Blepharidopterus angulatus
Adult: Yorks (August 2008) ©Joe Botting

Blepharidopterus angulatus Blepharidopterus angulatus
Adult: north London (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: south London (August 2007) ©Joe Botting
Blepharidopterus angulatus Blepharidopterus angulatus
Adult: Berks (July 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson
Adult: Kent (November 2009) ©John Jeffery

Blepharidopterus angulatus nymph Blepharidopterus angulatus nymph
Nymph: Sussex (July 2008) ©Brian Valentine

Nymph: Berks (July 2009) ©Jonathan Michaelson