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Eupteryx urticae
Family: Cicadellidae

A spectacular genus of many common species with beautiful colouration. They are very variable, and the differences between them often subtle; from photographs alone, it may not be possible to identify all to species level.

E. urticae differs from the virtually identical E. cyclops in that the dark, forward-pointing triangle abutting the back middle of the vertex is wider than long and the hind tibiae are dark. It is almost ubiquitous on nettles, but often found on other low vegetation as well.

Adult: May to November
Length 3 mm
Eupteryx urticae
Adult: north Wales (June 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Eupteryx urticae Eupteryx urticae
Adult: north London (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: south London (August 2007) ©Joe Botting
Eupteryx urticae Eupteryx urticae
Adult: south London (April 2010) ©Sarah Barnes Adult: Merseyside (September 2009) ©Steve Tomlinson