Tachycixius pilosus

Length 4.5 to 5.5 mm. As in Cixius, this species has three keels on the scutellum, but is distinguished by the presence of tubercles between the veins at the tip of the forewing. There are also usually three short dark stripes along the forewing edge but the colouration of the forewings is very variable, ranging from relatively plain to almost entirely dark; one common form has the forewings dark in the apical third.

Distinguished from Cixius nervosa by the presence of dark spots between the veins near to the wing tips.

Can be identified by external features at 5-10X magnification.

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

On deciduous trees and shrubs.

Adult: May to July.

The larvae feed at the base of various grasses.

Fairly common and widely distributed across the UK.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.