Aneurus avenius

Length 4 to 5 mm.  Unlike Aradus species, the wings of Aneurus flatbugs are completely membranous with the exception of the base. The two species are very similar. In females, the tip of the abdomen (genital segment) is flattened in A. avenius and bilobed in A. laevis. In males, which have a protruding and rounded genital segment in both species, there is dorsal abdominal process in A. laevis which often distorts the wing membrane. The membrane is entirely flat in A. avenius.

Aradus depressus and Aneurus laevis.

Good close up photographs are required, and detailed examination is recommended.

Found under the bark of various dead trees which are infected by fungi, particularly native deciduous species.

Adult: All year

Eggs are laid several times a year and all life stages may be found together.

Although widely distributed across England and parts of Wales, it is not often recorded.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.