Small World Discoveries

HEMIPTERA > HETEROPTERA > CIMICOMORPHA > Miridae > Orthotylini

The Orthotylini tribe includes 24 species in 12 genera.

To date, the only species I've photographed from this rather variable group is Heterotoma planicornis, sometimes referred to as the Thick-antennae Plant Bug obviously relating to the broad and flattened 2nd antennal segment, which alone makes the species unmistakeable. Abundant throughout most of Britain on various plants and trees, in particular nettles. Both the adults and their reddish nymphs feed on small insects as well as plant buds and unripe fruits. Eggs hatch in May, the nymphs becoming adult from June onwards.