Ant Damsel Bug
Himacerus mirmicoides
This record describes Himacerus mirmicoides (species). Recorded family: Nabidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 to 8 mm. This genus has a black connexivum with orange-red spots, and rather reddish wings. H. mirmicoides is partly-winged (although there is a macropterus form) and may be separated from the larger H. apterus by the shorter antennae (< length of thorax + abdomen), longer wings and shorter hairs on the hind tibiae. Usually found on the ground or amongst low herbage. Adults overwinter; mating and egg-laying takes place in the spring. The new generation is complete by August. Early instar larvae are strikingly ant-like, due to the spiny posterior angles of the 2nd & 3rd thoracic segments. There is also a short spine on the 2nd abdominal segment and the margins of the 2nd & 3rd are white, giving the illusion of a narrow waist. The thoracic projections are lost in later instars. This bug is common in southern Britain in a variety of dry open habitats.
Wikipedia reference for Himacerus mirmicoides: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himacerus_mirmicoides.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found on the ground or amongst low herbage.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults overwinter; mating and egg-laying takes place in the spring. The new generation is complete by August. Early instar larvae are strikingly ant-like, due to the spiny posterior angles of the 2nd & 3rd thoracic segments. There is also a short spine on the 2nd abdominal segment and the margins of the 2nd & 3rd are white, giving the illusion of a narrow waist. The thoracic projections are lost in later instars.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This bug is common in southern Britain in a variety of dry open habitats.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Himacerus mirmicoides. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Ant Damsel Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ant Damsel Bug
What is Ant Damsel Bug?
Ant Damsel Bug (Himacerus mirmicoides) is a species in the family Nabidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Ant Damsel Bug?
7 to 8 mm. This genus has a black connexivum with orange-red spots, and rather reddish wings.
Where is Ant Damsel Bug found?
Habitat: Usually found on the ground or amongst low herbage.
When is Ant Damsel Bug active?
Ant Damsel Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..
What is the life cycle of a Ant Damsel Bug?
Adults overwinter; mating and egg-laying takes place in the spring. The new generation is complete by August. Early instar larvae are strikingly ant-like, due to the spiny posterior angles of the 2nd & 3rd thoracic segments. There is also a short spine on the 2nd abdominal segment and the margins of the 2nd & 3rd are white, giving the illusion of a narrow waist. The thoracic projections are lost in later instars.