Grass Mirid Bug - Stenodema holsata

Description

6 to 7 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.

Similar Species

Very similar to S. laevigata, but has a much shorter, broader and more rounded appearance. The hairs on the 1st antennal segment are shorter than in other Stenodema species and is no notch on the hind femur. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

High quality photographs required to support records

Habitat

Grassy areas.

When to see it

All year. Larvae can be found May-July, the new generation of adults appearing from July onwards.

Life History

Overwinters as an adult and mated in the spring, when both sexes turn green, although males are often darker than females. 

UK Status

Found throughout much of the UK but absent from the south east. It is the commonest Stenodema in upland areas, particularly those dominated by purple moor grass.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - true bug (Hemiptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Miridae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
26/05/2020 (Cann, Alan)
Last record:
26/05/2020 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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