Leptopterna ferrugata

Length: 7.0 to 8.5 mm. This large, sexually dimorphic grass bug has a transverse furrow between the eyes and the legs and antennae are covered in long dark hairs. It often has reddish or orange-yellow forewings, hence the Latin name, however care must be taken to distinguish it from the very similar L. dolabrata. In males the forewings are usually pinkish-brown and the length of the 2nd antennal segment is roughly equal to the 3rd and 4th combined (much greater in L. dolabrata). In females the 2nd antennal segment is wider than the base of the front tibia (thinner in L. dolabrata). This species also tends to prefer drier habitats than L. dolabrata.

Leptopterna dolabrata

This species can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with.

This bug feeds on a variety of grasses.

Adult: June to September

Widespread and common.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.