Common Damsel Bug
Nabis rugosus
This record describes Nabis rugosus (species). Recorded family: Nabidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6.5 to 7.5 mm, and, N. rugosus is yellow-brown in colour, with rather pale forewings. The length of the 2nd antennal segment is greater than the maximum width of the pronotum. This species is almost always brachypterous, the forewings reaching the end of the abdomen, or stopping just short of it. Macropterous (fully-winged) specimens are much rarer, and may be confused with N. ferus, and particularly N. pseudoferus. Adults overwinter, mating and egg-laying taking place in the spring. Larvae may be found June-September; the new generation of adults is complete from August onwards. Probably the commonest British nabid it is widespread and fairly frequent, particularly in the southern half of Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Nabis rugosus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabis_rugosus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Widespread in grassy habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults overwinter, mating and egg-laying taking place in the spring. Larvae may be found June-September; the new generation of adults is complete from August onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Probably the commonest British nabid it is widespread and fairly frequent, particularly in the southern half of Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Nabis rugosus. 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 Common Damsel Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Damsel Bug
What is Common Damsel Bug?
Common Damsel Bug (Nabis rugosus) is a species in the family Nabidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Common Damsel Bug?
6.5 to 7.5 mm, and, N. rugosus is yellow-brown in colour, with rather pale forewings. The length of the 2nd antennal segment is greater than the maximum width of the pronotum. This species is almost always brachypterous, the forewings reaching the end of the abdomen, or stopping just short of it. Macropterous (fully-winged) specimens are much rarer, and may be confused with N. ferus, and particularly N. pseudoferus.
Where is Common Damsel Bug found?
Habitat: Widespread in grassy habitats.
When is Common Damsel Bug active?
Common Damsel Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year.
What is the life cycle of a Common Damsel Bug?
Adults overwinter, mating and egg-laying taking place in the spring. Larvae may be found June-September; the new generation of adults is complete from August onwards.