Psallus ambiguus

Length about 4 to 5 mm. The Psallus group includes many small bugs (< 6 mm) which are often mottled red, grey or dark brown. The pronotum and forewings are covered in scale like pale hairs and the tibial spines arise from black spots. Species identification of Psallus based on external features is often difficult and frequently impossible. Identification is complex and ideally requires microscopic examination. P. ambiguus can be identified by its relatively large size and the antennal colouration The 1st antennal segment is black and the 3rd segment pale. The 2nd segment is black in males, but partly pale over the basal half in females.

If we cannot be certain of the identity of an image but it is likely to be this species, it is highlighted in a red box.

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

Deciduous trees including apple, hawthorn, sallows and alder.

May to August.

The adults and larvae feed on small insects as well as the host trees.

Widely scattered (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) - https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html 

Common.