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Lygus maritimus
Family: Miridae
Nau, B. S. (2004) Identification of plantbugs in the genus Lygus in Britain

This genus is one of the most problematic mirid groups to identify. The five UK species can overlap considerably in colour, markings and size; some specimens cannot be determined. The most reliable identification features concern the fine detaill of the middle of the corium, and are visible only at high resolution. Characters given by Southwood & Leston (1959) are misleading; the above reference (Nau, 2004) summarises current knowledge.

Key features of L. maritimus:

- Pubescence on middle of corium sparse; lateral spacing of the hairs generally > hair length.
- Punctures on middle of corium widely spaced, seperated by much more than their diameter.
- Ground colour green; pronotum often rose-tinged in the posterior half.
- Smaller (5.0-6.0 mm).
Distributed locally in coastal and sandy areas across the UK, exploiting a range of foodplants, in particular mayweeds. 

Compare L. pratensis, L. rugulipennis, L. wagneri
Adult: All year

Lygus maritimus
Adult: north London (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Lygus maritimus detail Lygus maritimus
Adult: Detail of corium ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: north London (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Lygus maritimus Lygus maritimus
Adult: north London (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: Cambs (August 2007) ©Will George
Lygus maritimus Lygus maritimus nymph
Adult: north London (August 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Nymph: north London (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock