Tree Damsel Bug
Himacerus apterus
This record describes Himacerus apterus (species). Recorded family: Nabidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8-11 mm. This genus has a black connexivum with orange-red spots, and rather reddish-brown wings, which do not usually reach beyond the 3rd or 4th abdominal segment. Unlike other UK nabids, this is a tree-dwelling bug, found on deciduous species and less frequently on conifers, where it feeds on mites, aphids and other small insects. Adults lay eggs in late summer which hatch the following spring; larvae may be found May-August. The new adult generation is complete from July onwards. It is common in much of England and Wales, becoming scarcer further north.
Wikipedia reference for Himacerus apterus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himacerus_apterus.
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
Unlike other UK nabids, this is a tree-dwelling bug, found on deciduous species and less frequently on conifers, where it feeds on mites, aphids and other small insects.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July-October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults lay eggs in late summer which hatch the following spring; larvae may be found May-August. The new adult generation is complete from July onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is common in much of England and Wales, becoming scarcer further north.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Himacerus apterus. 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 Tree Damsel Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Damsel Bug
What is Tree Damsel Bug?
Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus) is a species in the family Nabidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Tree Damsel Bug?
8-11 mm. This genus has a black connexivum with orange-red spots, and rather reddish-brown wings, which do not usually reach beyond the 3rd or 4th abdominal segment.
Where is Tree Damsel Bug found?
Habitat: Unlike other UK nabids, this is a tree-dwelling bug, found on deciduous species and less frequently on conifers, where it feeds on mites, aphids and other small insects.
When is Tree Damsel Bug active?
Tree Damsel Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: July-October..
What is the life cycle of a Tree Damsel Bug?
Adults lay eggs in late summer which hatch the following spring; larvae may be found May-August. The new adult generation is complete from July onwards.