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Eupteryx decemnotata
Family: Cicadellidae

E. decemnotata was first recorded from the London area in 2002 and is now probably widespread across southern Britain at least. On the continent this species uses several foodplants, but in the UK it has been mainly found on sage, and thus requires careful separation from the commoner E. melissae.

Without microscopic examination, the vertex pattern is the best identification feature, consisting of three pairs of dark marks, although these are variably fused in some forms. This species is also noticeably smaller than melissae.

Compare: E. melissae
Adult: May to October, may overwinter
Length 2-3 mm
 Eupteryx decemnotata
Adult on sage: north London (November 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Eupteryx decemnotata Eupteryx decemnotata
Adult on sage: north London (November 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 		Adult: Herefordshire (January 2009) ©Joe Botting
Eupteryx decemnotata Eupteryx decemnotata
Adult on sage: (January 2009) ©John Jeffery

 		Adults on sage: Berks (September 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson