DESCRIPTION: Up to 7.5mm in length. A small flat looking species with a black ground colour and variable white markings.  The legs are black and somewhat spiny. BEHAVIOUR: Females take care of the brood of eggs and young. A ground dwelling species but adults can be found on the leaves of White Dead Nettle and Black Horehound. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in the southern half of Britain becoming rarer further north.  Absent from Scotland and Ireland. HABITAT: Hedgerows, wasterground, field margins and woodland edges wherever the foodplants are found.  PERIOD:  April to October involving 2 possible generations.