Europiella artemisiae

Alternative names
Plagiognathus albipennis
Description

A small (c. 3mm) greyish bug found on Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).  The basal segments of the antennae are black, and there is a pale mark on the cuneus.  The dorsal surface has pale hairs. The tibial spines arise from dark spots.

Similar Species

Europiella decolor is very similar and the genitalia should be examined to tell these two apart. However it is found on Sea Wormwood in saltmarshes, so it is highly unlikely to be present in VC55. 
It is also similar to some Psallus. The host plant should help in identification (ref. https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Miridae/europiella_artemisiae.html)

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Always state the host-plant. Detailed photos are needed showing key ID features

Habitat

On Mugwort

UK Status

Common (ref. British Heteroptera checklist (2021) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html

VC55 Status

not known; probably under-recorded

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:
Miridae
Records on NatureSpot:
7
First record:
03/09/2023 (Timms, Sue)
Last record:
22/08/2025 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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