Stenodema calcarata
Stenodema calcarata. Note the twin spines on the hind femur which are the key characteristic of this species.
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Heteroptera
Family:	Miridae
Genus:	Stenodema
Species:	S. calcarata
Binomial name
Stenodema calcarata Fallén, 1807

Stenodema calcarata is a species of bug from Miridae family, that can be found in Europe^[1] and across the Palearctic to Central Asia, the Russian Far East, Siberia, northern China, Korea and Japan.

Description

The length of an adult is 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in), and have a longitudinal furrow between the eyes.^[2]

Ecology

Stenodema calcarata lives on grasses including Agrostis tenuis, Alopecurus pratensis, Festuca and in bogs Molinia caerulea and many other grasses (Poaceae), and also on (Cyperaceae) and (Juncaceae), such as sedges Carex, Scirpus and Juncus. The species hibernates in winter, and come aground in April. During this time, the females start to change colour to green, while males still remain yellow, or brown. The larvae appears by August.^[3]

References