Himacerus mirmicoides
Himacerus mirmicoides | |
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Himacerus mirmicoides, upperside | |
Side view | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hemiptera |
Suborder: | Heteroptera |
Family: | Nabidae |
Genus: | Himacerus |
Species: | H. mirmicoides
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Binomial name | |
Himacerus mirmicoides (O. G. Costa, 1834)
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Synonyms | |
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Himacerus mirmicoides, common name ant damsel bug, is a species of damsel bugs belonging to the family Nabidae, subfamily Nabinae.
Etymology
[edit]The name “mirmicoides” comes from the similarity of nymphs in the early instars to ants.
Distribution
[edit]These bugs can be found in most of Europe.[1]
Habitat
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Ant_Damsel_Bug_nymph_%2811954299706%29.jpg/210px-Ant_Damsel_Bug_nymph_%2811954299706%29.jpg)
These bugs can be found on the ground, in low herbage and in dry open areas.[2]
Description
[edit]Himacerus mirmicoides can reach a length of 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in).[2] These bugs have a brown body with a black connexivum showing orange-red spots. They are partly-winged, with quite reddish wings.[2]
This species is rather similar to Himacerus apterus, but it is smaller, with shorter antennae and longer wings. Moreover, the hairs on the hind tibiae are shorter.[2]
The nymphs resemble ants and the appearance of a typical hymenopteran "waist" is created by the paler coloration of the back of the thorax, contrasting with the rest of the body which is mainly black.[2]
Biology
[edit]Adults can be found all year around. Mating and egg-laying begins in spring with the new generation occurring in August.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Fauna europaea
- ^ a b c d e f British Bugs
Further reading
[edit]- Kerzhner I.M., 1996 – Family Nabidae – Catalogue of the Heteroptera of the Palaearctic Region
External links
[edit]- Picture story about the biology and behaviour of Ant Damsel Bug Himacerus mirmicoides (in German)
- Biolib