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Capsodes gothicus
Family: Miridae

Capsodes species are largely black mirids with striking orange-red and whitish markings. The head is rather short and wide and the antennae are entirely dark.

C. gothicus lacks an orange midline on the pronotum and 
the upper surface is covered in long dark pubescence. The sides of the pronotum are straight and the length of the 2nd antennal segment is roughly equal to the 3rd and 4th combined. The extent of the orange markings is variable.

Locally distributed across England and parts of Wales, this species favours damp grasslands where it is particularly associated with Large Bird's-foot Trefoil, but also occurs in drier situations.

Adult: June-August
Length ~6 mm
Capsodes gothicus
Adult: Norfolk (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Capsodes gothicus Capsodes gothicus
Adult: Norfolk (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

Adult: Norfolk (July 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Capsodes gothicus Capsodes gothicus nymph
Adult: Norfolk (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock

Nymph: Norfolk (May 2009) ©Tristan Bantock