Grey Damsel Bug
Himacerus major
This record describes Himacerus major (species). Recorded family: Nabidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7.5 to 9.0 mm. The long wings and pale connexivum give this species a greater resemblance to some members of the Nabis genus than to other Himacerus species. It is always macropterous. This species is characterised by the markings on the hind femora - a wide black band at the apex with dark spots below it. Grassy habitats, including sand dunes and saltmarshes. Adults lay eggs in the autumn which hatch the following spring; the new generation of adults appears early, from June onwards. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Himacerus major: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himacerus_major.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Nabidae (Damsel Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Nabinae
- Tribe
- Nabini
- Genus
- Himacerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy habitats, including sand dunes and saltmarshes.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: June to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults lay eggs in the autumn which hatch the following spring; the new generation of adults appears early, from June onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Himacerus major. 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 Grey Damsel Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grey Damsel Bug
What is Grey Damsel Bug?
Grey Damsel Bug (Himacerus major) is a species in the family Nabidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Grey Damsel Bug?
7.5 to 9.0 mm. The long wings and pale connexivum give this species a greater resemblance to some members of the Nabis genus than to other Himacerus species. It is always macropterous. This species is characterised by the markings on the hind femora - a wide black band at the apex with dark spots below it.
Where is Grey Damsel Bug found?
Habitat: Grassy habitats, including sand dunes and saltmarshes.
When is Grey Damsel Bug active?
Grey Damsel Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: June to November..
What is the life cycle of a Grey Damsel Bug?
Adults lay eggs in the autumn which hatch the following spring; the new generation of adults appears early, from June onwards.