Lygocoris pabulinus, Common Green Capsid

Common Name: Common Green Capsid

Lygocoris species can be distinguished from similar green bugs by the very fine and inconspicuous pale brown tibial spines and at high magnification, the break in the keel between the eyes. The pronotum is rather straight-sided.

In Lygocoris pabulinus the pronotum is smooth and the whole upper surface is usually uniformly green. A very common bug throughout the UK, found on a range of woody and herbaceous plants, particularly nettles. They hide under fallen leaves in winter, especially under the hedge, which can be a perfect place for them to lay their eggs.

They feed on leaves by leaving small brown holes in the foliage. After the damage is done, they depart, leaving the flowers to open in a lop-sided manner. They can damage fruits as well, by leaving bumps on them. When they drink the sap, they inject their poisonous salivary juices, which can cause buds, leaves and fruit distortions.

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