INSECTS
HEMIPTERA / DAMSEL BUGS
Damsel bugs are soft-bodied, elongate, winged terrestrial predators. Many catch and hold prey with their forelegs similar to praying mantises. They catch and feed on most insects smaller than themselves and may turn to cannibalism when no other food is available.
Ant Damsel Bug
Himacerus mirmicoides (7-8mm) in found on the ground or on low vegetation usually in dry open locations. Adults overwinter, then mate and egg-lay during spring. Its common name is due to early instars having an ant-like appearance.
Tree Damsel Bug
Himacerus apterus (8-11mm) lives on trees where it feeds on aphids, mites and other small insects. Adults are normally seen from July until October. Eggs are laid late summer which hatch the following spring. The black connexivum has orange-red spots and the wings are reddish-brown.
Common Damsel Bug Nabis rugosus (6-7mm) is common in grassland and often found on low vegetation. Mating and egg-laying takes place during spring. Larvae emerge for June until September to form a new generation of adults.
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