Orthotylus rubidus

Suffolk Priority Species

Orthotylus rubidus is a nationally scarce mirid bug closely associated with broom (Cytisus scoparius), on which it feeds and breeds. A small, pale greenish species, it is easily overlooked amongst its foodplant, and records likely underrepresent its true distribution. In Suffolk, broom is a characteristic plant of the Sandlings heathlands and acid grassland margins, and this habitat affinity makes the county potentially important for the species. As with many host-plant-specific mirids, its fortunes are tied directly to the availability and management of broom-rich heath and scrub habitats across the county. Image: © Mark Gurney, iNaturalist.

Find out more: iNaturalist, British Bugs