Nabis

damsel bug

Small predatory true bugs in the Nabidae. typically under 12 mm. hunters that subdue prey larger than themselves using front legs. Attracted to artificial lights, possibly to exploit other insects drawn there. Economically significant as natural pest control agents in agricultural systems.

Nabis by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Nabis rufusculus by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.Nabis vanduzeei by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ellyne Geurts. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nabis: /ˈneɪbɪs spʌnˈɛərɪz/

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

Identification

Front muscular and swollen, armed with teeth on underside for securing prey. Short rostrum compared to plant-feeding . Lacks (notch in wing margin) that distinguishes similar-looking mirid plant bugs. Most assassin bugs (Reduviidae) are larger. Some wingless or with reduced wings at maturity.

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Seasonality

active from early spring through late fall.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on other insects including leafhoppers and small .

Behavior

Solitary, not swarming. . Stalks prey persistently. Some attracted to lights at night, possibly to prey on other insects gathered there. Timid, not prone to biting humans.

Ecological Role

; among the most abundant small predators in many . Significant natural pest control in agricultural systems.

Human Relevance

Beneficial for biological pest control in agriculture. Bite possible if handled but not dangerous to humans.

Similar Taxa

  • Miridae (plant bugs)Similar body form but distinguished by presence of (notch in wing margin) and different rostrum length
  • Reduviidae (assassin bugs)Both have short rostrum and predatory habits, but most reduviids are larger

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Sources and further reading