Psallus varians

Psallus varians

Description

Length about 4 mm. The Psallus group includes many small bugs (< 6 mm) which are often mottled red, grey or dark brown. The pronotum and forewings are covered in scale like pale hairs and the tibial spines arise from black spots. Species identification of Psallus based on external features is often difficult and frequently impossible. Identification is complex and ideally requires microscopic examination. The images placed in red boxes are likely to be this species but they can only be claimed to be representative of the species. However, the host plant can be informative and may narrow down the range of possibilities.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

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

Habitat

Several very similar Psallus species occur on Oak, one of which is P. varians.

When to see it

Adult: May-August.

Life History

The adults and larvae feeding on small insects as well as the host trees. 

UK Status

very common (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) - https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html 

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire & 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