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Lygus wagneri Family: Miridae Nau, B. S. (2004) Identification of plantbugs in the genus Lygus in Britain This genus is one of the most problematic mirid groups to identify. The five UK species can overlap considerably in colour, markings and size; some specimens cannot be determined. The most reliable identification features concern the fine detaill of the middle of the corium, and are visible only at high resolution. Characters given by Southwood & Leston (1959) are misleading; the above reference (Nau, 2004) summarises current knowledge. Key features of L. wagneri: - Pubescence on middle of corium less dense; lateral spacing of the hairs generally = hair length. - Punctures on middle of corium separated by approximately puncture width. - Ground colour generally uniformly dark red-brown. - Males usually with a black band just below the lateral edge of the pronotum (view from the side). - Males often with characteristic markings on the scutellum (L. rugulipennis can show similar pattern). - Intermediate in size (5.25-6.5 mm). L. wagneri is primarily an upland species of northern and western parts of Britain, but seems to be extending its range eastwards. Separation of this species from the extremely similar L. pratensis now requires even more caution in the light of potential range overlap. Compare L. maritimus, L. rugulipennis, L. pratensis Adult: All year
	Adult male: north Wales: (September 2019) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult female: Detail of corium ©Tristan Bantock	Adult male:  mid Wales (January 2006) ©Joe Botting