Birch Catkin Bug

Birch Catkin Bug - Kleidocerys resedae

Description

Length 4.5-5.5 mm. A rust-coloured bug. The forewings are patterned and largely transparent, with the corium and clavus punctate. The clavus has three rows of punctures. 

Similar Species

K. ericae is very similar but slightly smaller and found on heathland where it is associated with heather and has not been recorded in VC55.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

Relatively easy to identify and unlikely to be confused with anything else.

Habitat

On or around Birch trees.

When to see it

Adult: all year.

Life History

Adults overwinter, emerging and breeding in the early spring, when they fly and emit mating calls using a strigil found on one of the hind wing veins. Nymphs occur between March and September and there are several generations a year, at least in the south.

UK Status

Common and found throughout England, Wales and southern Ireland.

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records