Myrmus miriformis

Description

Length 6-8 mm (male) 8.5-10 mm (female). In contrast to other Rhopalid bugs, Myrmus miriformis is rather hairless as and adult and is elongate in shape, bearing a superficial resemblance to some of the Mirid grass bugs. Myrmus miriformis males have two colour morphs: a green form (marked with red) and a brown form, while females are always green. The sexes also differ markedly in size; females are larger and more oval. This species usually has very short, rudimentary wings.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

This species can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with.

Recording advice

Good quality photographs required. 

Habitat

Found in dry and damp grassland habitats, feeding on the leaves and unripe seeds of various grasses.

When to see it

Adult: June-October.

UK Status

Commonly distributed throughout England and Wales at least.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Bugs
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Rhopalidae
Records on NatureSpot:
13
First record:
10/09/2009 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
06/08/2023 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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