Miridius quadrivirgatus

Length 9 to11 mm. A large and long-legged species with a long 1st antennal segment and diagnostic markings; unbroken orangey-red and cream stripes run the full length of the head, pronotum and scutellum. The red cuneus is variable.

In rough pastures or wastelands.

Adult: July-August

It is associated with Wall Barley and other grasses.

This species has a southerly distribution and is found locally between Suffolk and Pembrokeshire. Historically mainly coastal, it has recently become more common inland. Numbers tend to fluctuate greatly between years.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland the Sapcote record of 16th July 2010 being the first for VC55, although the fact that it was recorded again at nearby Whetstone a couple of days later and subsequently at Sapcote in 2011, 2013 and 2014 suggests that its numbers are increasing in our area.