British Bugs
HOME A BIT ABOUT BUGS GALLERY SYSTEMATIC LISTS RECORDING BUGS CONTACT US LINKS

Myrmus miriformis
Family: Rhopalidae
Key to the Rhopalidae of Central Europe (German)

In contrast to other rhopalids, Myrmus miriformis and Chorosoma schillingi are rather hairless as adults and elongate in shape, bearing a superficial resemblance to some of the mirid grass bugs.

M. miriformis males have two colour morphs: a green form (marked with red) and a brown form, while females are always green. The sexes also differ markedly in size; females are larger and more oval. This species is usually brachypterous.

Distributed throughout England and Wales at least, this is a common bug in dry and damp grassland habitats, feeding on the leaves and unripe seeds of various grasses.

 Adult: June-October
Length 6-8 mm (male) 8.5-10 mm (female)		 Myrmus miriformis
Adult pair (male green form): Norfolk (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Myrmus miriformis Myrmus miriformis female
Adult female: Surrey (July 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult female: Norfolk (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Myrmus miriformis male Myrmus miriformis
Adult male (green form): Norfolk (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult male (macropter): Surrey (July 2009) ©Ashley Wood
Myrmus miriformis Myrmus miriformis
Adult male (green form): Dorset (July 2009) ©Mark Dunkling

 		Adult male (brown form): north Wales (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Myrmus miriformis Myrmus miriformis
Nymph: Surrey (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

 Nymph: north Wales (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock