About Leptopterna dolabrata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Leptopterna dolabrata, also historically called Miris dolabratus, is commonly known as the meadow plant bug. This species is an insect belonging to the Miridae family. It is commonly found in grassy habitats across nearly all of Europe, extending to the northern Mediterranean, and eastward through Asia Minor to the Caspian Sea region. It is an adventive, or non-native established, species in North America. This insect feeds on developing grass seeds, which causes affected seed heads to shrivel and turn white prematurely. It is considered a pest in areas where grass is cultivated for seed production. Adult meadow plant bugs are black in color and have long antennae.
