Nabidae (predators)
Author(s): Caroline Harding, MAF Plant Health & Environment Laboratory
Source: PaDIL
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Sichelwanzen |
| • English: | damsel bugs |
Nabidae (damsel bugs - predators)
This family of predatory bugs is widely distributed and contains more than 500 species. Several species are common in agricultural areas and they may be the most common insect predators. They often contribute to the natural control of arthropod pests. The species are usually generalists, feeding on many types of insects. The prey can be larger than the predators themselves. Some species puncture their prey, others catch and hold it with their forelegs, similar to the mantids.
The species are typically elongated, soft-bodied and medium-sized insect, often around 5-10 mm long. The rostrum is curved and 4-segmented. The wings are usually long and narrow and some are good fliers. In other species the wings may be reduced.
The following genera and individual species of predators are currently entered under this family:
