Nabis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
Family: Nabidae
Subfamily: Nabinae
Tribe: Nabini
Genus: Nabis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nabis: /ˈneɪ.bɪs/

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

Images

Nabis rufusculus (Nabidae) - (imago), Jefferson (NY), United States - 2 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.

2018 06 30 Nabis capsiformis by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Nabis capsiformis by unknown (posted by --gian_d 07:26, 20 April 2008 (UTC)). Used under a Public domain license.

Nabis P1090354b by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Nabis americoferus 237206109 by Hippytiger. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Nabis americoferus P1520168a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Nabis is a genus of insects in the family Nabidae, comprising 19 species in 7 subgenera. They are predominant in low vegetation and commonly prey on soft-bodied insects.

Physical Characteristics

6-9 mm in length; slender body; color ranges from light to dark brown; front femora slightly enlarged.

Identification Tips

Look for a slender body and enlarged front femora; typically observed in low vegetation in fields and gardens.

Habitat

Low vegetation in fields and gardens.

Distribution

Holarctic Region and many other parts of the world.

Diet

Nymphs and adults prey on soft-bodied insects.

Life Cycle

Usually overwinter as adults; 1-5 generations per year, depending on the location.

Ecosystem Role

Predators of soft-bodied insects.

Evolution

Some taxa once treated as separate genera have been demoted back to subgenera of Nabis.