Delphax pulchellus

Description

Males 5mm, females 8mm. Brachypterous and macropterous forms occur. Males are distinctively pigmented, females brown and could be confused with Asiraca clavicornis, but in this species the anterior tibiae are not flattened. The frons is mostly brown, with some pale spots, often dark-bordered; these are sometimes aligned to form a band. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Found in reedbeds (Phragmites). 

When to see it

All year. 

UK Status

Scattered distribution in suitable habitat in southern England and Wales.

Leicestershire & Rutland Status

Rare.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - true bug (Hemiptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Delphacidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
03/07/2026 (Cann, Alan)
Last record:
03/07/2026 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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