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Aphrodes trifasciatus
Family: Cicadellidae

Aphrodes species generally have a sharply pointed vertex which always has a median keel. They can be very variable with distinct forms occuring in different habitats. Females in particular are often difficult to identify.

Although this species is fairly distinctive, care should be taken to separate it from A. bifasciatus which has a thin pale posterior edge to the vertex.  Both males and females are are predominantly black-brown, with the forewings marked by two transverse lines of pale spots (complete or interrupted). The female lacks the pale band at the rear of the pronotum.

Found locally on heaths, particularly in central parts of England.

Adult: July to August
Length: 3.5-5 mm
Aphrodes tricinctus
Adult male: Peak District, Yorks (August 2008) ©Joe Botting