Psallus falleni

Length 4 mm. The Psallus group includes many small bugs up to 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. However, P. falleni is a late season bug which occurs abundantly on birch across the UK. The cuneus is pale at the base and very narrowly pale at the tip. There are many similar species, but none which use birch as a host plant.

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

On birch.

Adult: July to September.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland, but difficulties of identification means that obtaining a reliable status figure is very difficult.