Stenodema laevigata

Length 8-9 mm. Stenodema species are elongate grass bugs with a longitudinal furrow between the eyes. The genus is best distinguished by the coarsely and densely pitted pronotum, Stenodema laevigata is very similar to Stenodema calcarata and Stenodema trispinosa, but lacks femoral spurs. There is a notch in the underside of the hind femora, near the apex.

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

Grassy Habitats. Both adults and larvae feed on the unripe grains of a number of grasses, although this species is often commoner in damper habitats than Stenodema calcarata.

Adult: all year round.

Overwintering as an adult and mating in the Spring, when both sexes turn green, although males are often darker than females. Larvae can be found May-July, the new generation of straw-coloured adults appearing from July onwards.

Common throughout Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.