damsel bugs

Nabidae is the family of damsel bugs. There are more than 500 species worldwide, 40 species in North America north of Mexico, and at least 12 species in Minnesota. They occur on every continent except Greenland and Antarctica. They are usually found on low vegetation in agricultural fields, non-cultivated fields, and gardens. They feed on other soft-bodied insects, including other damsel bugs. They are considered beneficial because they prey on some agricultural pests.

Damsel bugs are small, soft bodied, and elongated-oval in shape. Most are yellowish-brown and about 5⁄16″ (8 mm) in length.Most species have antennae with 4 segments, though some in Subfamily Prostemmatinae have antennae with 5 segments. They have 2 large, bulbous, compound eyes and 3 small simple eyes (ocelli). The beak-like extension containg the mouthparts (rostrum) has 4 segments. The third segment (femur) of the front femur is slightly thickened. On most species the forewings are well developed. The membranous portion of these wings have numerous small cells around the margin. The legs are long and stilt-like.

Sources: 24, 27, 29, 30, 82.

Location: Woodbury, MN