Liocoris tripustulatus
# Liocoris tripustulatus

Liocoris tripustulatus or the common nettle bug is a species of plant bug belonging to the family Miridae, subfamily Mirinae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1781.

## Distribution

This species can be found in most of Europe.

## Habitat

These plant bugs are generally found on low vegetation.

## Description

Adults are normally 4 to 5 mm long, darker brown with cream-coloured to yellow highlights. The scutellum shows a heart shaped marking, while in the wings there are two spots. Across the body is present a more or less visible clear band. This species is quite variable in colour. In springs the basic colour is darker, while the cuneus is bright orange-yellow. The new generation of adults is commonly paler and markings are less pronounced. Head width is about 1/2 of the width of the pronotum. Legs are pale yellowish, striped with black rings. Tibiae show short dark spines.

## Biology

Adults can be found all year. Following mating, females may survive until mid-summer, when the adults of the new generation appear. The primary food of these bugs in all stages of development is nettles.

