Grypocoris sexguttatus (Fabricius 1777)

Grypocoris sexguttatus is a species of true bugs belonging to the family Miridae or plant bugs, subfamily Mirinae.

Description

Female Grypocoris sexguttatus

Grypocoris sexguttatus can reach a length of 6.5–8.3 millimetres (0.26–0.33 in) in males, of 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in) in females.^[1]

Distribution and habitat

This species is present in most of Europe.^[2] The preferred habitat are spruce forest edges.^[1]

Biology

Nymphs can be found in May – June, while adults are present from June to August. These polyphagous bugs mainly feed on Heracleum sphondylium (nectar), Melampyrum pratense, Galeopsis tetrahit and Urtica dioica, but also on other insects, especially of the family Aphididae.^[1]

References

• Kerzhner I. M.; Josifov M. (1999). "Family Miridae". In Aukema, Berend; Rieger, Christian (eds.). Catalogue of the Heteroptera of the Palaearctic Region. Vol. 3, Cimicomorpha II. Amsterdam: Netherlands Entomological Society. pp. 1–577, page 101. ISBN 978-90-71912-19-1.