Length 4.5-6 mm. Phylus bugs are fairly long and slender. There are three species in the UK, which can be separated with some reliability by the colour of the head and forewings. Host plant is also a useful aid to identification. The forewings of this species vary from yellow to orange-red but the head is usually dark brown or black. Specimens with a pale head were previously thought to be a separate species (Phylus palliceps) but have now been included within Phylus melanocephalus. 

This species can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with.

This species is usually found on Oak

Adult: June-August

Partly predatory

It is widespread throughout Britain

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.