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

Neophilaenus lineatus
Family: Aphrophoridae

Neophilaenus can be separated from Philaenus by the straight costal margin in the basal two-thirds of the forewing; there are several UK species.

N. lineatus is identified by the pale line running down the outside edge of the forewing, and by the central, anterior 'plate' on the vertex which is wider than long (the latter feature separating it from the similar, but rare N. longiceps, which is restricted to salt-marshes).  The apex of the scutellum is normally dark, and the face has dark transverse lines, and a dark midline. There is a dark form that occurs in certain populations living on purple moor grass Molinia caerulea.

A very common grassland species across the UK.
      

Adult: June to November, sometimes overwintering
Length 5-7 mm
Neophilaenus lineatus
Adult: Lincs (September 2008) ©Michael Talbot

Neophilaenus lineatus Neophilaenus linbeatus
Adult: Kent (August 2009) ©John Jeffery

Adult: Warwickshire (August 2008) ©Walwyn (Flickr.com)