Anthocoris butleri

Anthocoris butleri

Description

A small bug only about 3 or 4 mm. Very similar to other members of the genus. When identifying the species, the length of the second antennal segment should be compared with the head width across eyes for separation of Anthocoris butleri and nemoralis.  In A. butleri it is greater than the head width and in nemoralis it is equal to, or less than, the head width.

Similar Species

Other Anthocoris (Flower Bugs), especially A. nemoralis

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • Feeds exclusively on Box, Buxus sempervirens (but so does A. nemoralis
  • Forewings (hemielytra) dull except the shiny cuneus (as in A. nemoralis
  • Ant2 longer than width of head across eyes (c.f. less than or equal in A. nemoralis
  • Male paramere longer than A. nemoralis, more arched at tip 
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required, and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Likely to be found on Box hedges in parks and gardens.

When to see it

May be found all year round, though more active in the warmer months.

Life History

Larvae and adults are predators of Psylla buxi.

UK Status

True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded 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