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Rhabdomiris striatellus
Family: Miridae

A very striking bug which is frequently found on or near oak across Britain, but particularly in the south. Females are usually paler then males.

The only possible confusion risk is the larger and more elongate Miris striatus, which has a completely yellow/orange cuneus and an entirely dark head.

Overwintered eggs hatch in April, the larvae feeding on unripe catkins and becoming adult from mid-May onwards.
Adult: May-July
Length 7-8 mm

 Rhabdomiris striatellus
Adult: south London (May 2007) ©Joe Botting
Rhabdomiris striatellus Rhabdomiris striatellus
Adult: Cheshire (June 2008) ©Shane Farrell
 Adult: north London (May 2007) ©Tristan Bantock
Rhabdomiris striatellus Rhabdomiris striatellus
Adult: Berks (May 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson Early instar nymph: north London (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Rhabdomiris striatellus nymph Rhabdomiris striatellus nymph
Late instar nymph: north London (May 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
 Late instar nymph: ©DenisG