Macrosteles variatus

Length 4 to 4.5 mm. Macrosteles is an extremely difficult and diverse genus.  The vertex has several dark spots or bars and the frons has dark markings;  both features are variable.  The forewings are greyish or green-yellow, often with brown longitudinal streaks, patches or stripes, but colour and amount of the darker markings varies.    Dissection of the male to examine the internal genitalia - the aedeagus - or the internal abdominal structure - sternal apodemes - is needed to identify. 

other Macrosteles

males

Can only be identified by examination of internal genital structure. 

Usually found in woodland. Prefers nettles but may also feed on other plants.

Adult: May to October.

Widely but sparsely distributed in Britain.

Rarely recorded