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|Lygus rugulipennis Tarnished Plant Bug
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 corium, and are visible only at high resolution. Characters given by Southwood & Leston (1959) are misleading; the above reference (Nau, 2004) summarises current knowledge.
One of the smaller Lygus species, L. rugulipennis has a densely pubescent corium; the lateral spacing of the hairs is generally much less than hair length (see below).
A common and widespread bug which can be found on many plants, particularly fat hen, nettle, dock, clovers and many Compositae. It is variable in colour, ranging from yellowish brown to dull purple; females are often paler and less strongly marked than males.
Compare L. pratensis, L. maritimus
Adult: All year, particularly abundant in the autumn
Length 5.0-6.0 mm
|Adult: south London (September 2007) ©Joe Botting
|Adult: Detail of corium ©Tristan Bantock
||Adult: north London (September 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
|Adult: Cambs (September 2007) ©Will George
||Adult: Sussex (September 2006) ©Brian Valentine
|Adult: Yorks (October 2008) ©Joe Botting
||Nymph: Sussex (September 2006) ©Brian Valentine|