Trigonotylus caelestialum - Trigonotylus caelestialium

Length 5 to 6 mm. Trigonotylus species are elongate grass bugs which have a longitudinal furrow between the eyes and a smooth and unpunctured pronotum. The 1st antennal segment bears short spinose hairs and is not longer than the head. In T. caelestialum and the similar T. ruficornis, the 1st antennal segment is largely red with pale longitudinal stripes. These are much more defined and contrasting in T. caelestialum. There are a number of similar species and if possible expert help with identification should be sought.

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species.

Grassland

Adult: mainly June-September.

Although overlooked as a form of T. ruficornis until fairly recently, this bug is probably fairly common throughout much of England and Wales and possibly increasing, though it remains under recorded.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.