Damsel Bugs

Nabidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nabidae: //ˈneɪbɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Nabis.ericetorum4.-.lindsey by James K. Lindsey. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Nabis flavomarginatus (4938425297) by Kjetil Fjellheim from Bergen, Norway. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Lasiomerus annulatus (Nabidae), Niagara (NY), United States by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Nabis flavomarginata^ Broad Damsel Bug. Nabidae poss - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Short-winged Nabis - Nabis rufusculus, Coldstream, British Columbia, October 8, 2018 (53042441599) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Himacerus apterus 4.-.lindsey by James K. Lindsey. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

The family Nabidae consists of elongated, predatory insects known as damsel bugs, characterized by their raptorial front legs and soft bodies. They are important biocontrol agents in agricultural settings.

Physical Characteristics

3-12 mm slender, light to dark brown or black with 4-segmented beak; resemble assassin bugs due to the slightly enlarged (raptorial) front femora; some species have reduced wings.

Identification Tips

Look for their elongated bodies, large bulbous eyes, and stilt-like legs. They are often found in fields of legumes or under decaying undergrowth.

Habitat

Common in eastern forests and fields, particularly in crops such as alfalfa and other legumes, as well as non-cultivated areas.

Distribution

Worldwide with over 500 species, primarily common in North America and in fields of legumes.

Diet

Generalist predators that primarily feed on soft-bodied insects, but may also cannibalize each other when other food is scarce.

Life Cycle

Adults overwinter in leaf litter; typically 1-5 generations per year depending on location.

Reproduction

Members of the subfamily Prostemmatinae reproduce by traumatic insemination.

Ecosystem Role

Considered helpful in agriculture due to their role in controlling crop pest populations.

Economic Impact

Beneficial in agriculture as they prey upon various crop pests.

Health Concerns

Some species have bitten humans.

Collecting Methods

  • Sweep netting
  • Hand collecting from vegetation

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinned specimens

Evolution

The earliest definitive records of the family date back to the Cenomanian aged Burmese amber, with fossil forms like Karanabis being attributed in the past before reclassification.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with assassin bugs due to their appearance, but they belong to a different family and have different behaviors.

Tags

  • Damsel Bugs
  • Nabidae
  • Predators
  • Agricultural Benefits