Nesidiocoris tenuis biology and identification

The mirid bug, Nesidiocoris (Cyrtopeltis) tenuis, is not a native of the UK but there is evidence that it is moving north and has already become established in glasshouses in some northern European countries. Both adults and nymphs are predators and can make a useful contribution to integrated pest management (IPM) in tomato crops.

However, in the absence of insect or mite prey, the bug will turn its attention to the tomato plants and can cause serious economic damage.

This factsheet is intended to increase grower awareness of the insect and the damage that it causes, as well as helping growers to distinguish it from Macrolophus pygmaeus – a similar mirid bug which is already used in tomato IPM programmes in the UK.

This information was last updated in 2017.