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Xanthodelphax flaveola
Family: Delphacidae

The two UK Xanthodelphax
species are distinctive for being entirely yellow-orange (often bright yellow), and are separated by microscopic examination; the differences are quite striking, however, and live specimens can be identified in the field with a 20x lens.

X. flaveola has normal parameres, and the gonoplacs are short and convex. Both macropters and brachypters occur.

Historically scarce with no recent records in the known range of southeast England, but new populations have recently been found in Wales and Shropshire. Feeds on Poa pratensis in generally dry areas; intolerant of mowing.

Adult: June to September
Length 2-3 mm (macropters ~4 mm)
Xanthodelaphax flaveola
Adult male: Powys (June 2013) ©Joe Botting

Xanthodelaphax flaveola
Xanthodelphax flaveola
Adult female: Powys (June 2013) ©Joe Botting

Nymph: Powys (June 2013) ©Joe Botting
Xanthodelphax flaveola
Adult female macropter: Powys (June 2013) ©Joe Botting