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Javesella pellucida
Family: Delphacidae

Javesella species occur as both macropterous and brachypterous forms, and show a variety of colouration; identifications must be made with care, and separation of species is not always possible from photos.

This species is one of the most common UK delphacids, occurring widely in grasslands. Grasses are the main foodplants, but certain conifers and  horsetails also used.

Males are much darker than females, and macropters of both are generally darker than brachypters. The translucent forewings are normally slightly brownish or whitish.  Brachypterous forms are more commonly found in low-nutrient sites.

Adult: April to October
Length 3 mm
 Javesella pellucida
Adult male macropter: Huddersfield (April 2009) ©Joe Botting
Javesella pellucida Javesella pellucida
Adult female macropter: north London (April 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult male macropter: Lincs (April 2009) ©Michael Talbot
Javesella pellucida Javesella pellucida
Adult female brachypter: Huddersfield (May 2008) ©Joe Botting

 Adult male brachypter: Lincs (April 2009) ©Michael Talbot
Javesella pellucida Javesella pellucida nymph
Adult male brachypter: north London (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Nymph: Huddersfield (April 2009) ©Joe Botting