Length 6 to 8 mm. Phytocoris species have a distinctive appearance due to the long hind femora and long 1st antennal segment. The ground colour of P. ulmi is similar to P. varipes, but the upper surface is more uniform, lacking longitudinal markings. The 1st antennal segment is thinner and the hairs on ant1 are longer than its width.

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species (a photograph alone is not normally sufficient because key features are too small or hidden).

Found in hedgerows and woods, particularly on Hawthorn.

Adult: June-October.

It feeds on the flowers and fruits of a range of plants, as well as small insects.

Widespread and fairly common throughout the UK.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.