Himacerus mirmicoides
| Himacerus mirmicoides | |
|---|---|
_mirmicoides-1.JPG)
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| Himacerus mirmicoides, upperside | |
_mirmicoides.JPG)
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| Side view | |
Scientific classification 
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| 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]
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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
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