Common Flower Bug - Anthocoris nemorum

Description

Length 3.5-4.5mm. Probably the most common species of this difficult genus. The forewings are entirely reflective and the pronotum entirely black. The legs are mostly orange-brown, with variable development of small dark patches near the tip of the femora, especially on the hind leg. The antennae are largely pale in the 2nd and 3rd segments, with dark tips to the segments, and dark 1st and 4th segments; length of second antennal segment greater than width of head across eyes. The dark patch on the membrane is typically hourglass-shaped.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify this species. Photographs need to show the key features: forewings entirely reflective and the pronotum entirely black; legs are mostly orange-brown, with variable development of small dark patches near the tip of the femora, especially on the hind leg. The antennae are largely pale in the 2nd and 3rd segments, with dark tips to the segments, and dark 1st and 4th segments; LENGTH OF SECOND ANTENNAL SEGMENT GREATER THAN WIDTH OF HEAD ACROSS EYES. The dark patch on the membrane is typically hourglass-shaped. 

Habitat

Found on almost any plants, but preferring lower vegetation to trees.

When to see it

Adult: all year.

Life History

The species is predatory.

UK Status

Abundant across the UK.

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Common Flower Bug
Species group:
Bugs
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Anthocoridae
Records on NatureSpot:
302
First record:
03/05/2008 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
08/05/2024 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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