Himacerus mirmicoides

Himacerus mirmicoides, common name ant damsel bug, is a species of damsel bugs belonging to the family Nabidae, subfamily Nabinae.

Himacerus mirmicoides
Himacerus mirmicoides, upperside
Side view
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Nabidae
Genus:
Himacerus
Species:
H. mirmicoides
Binomial name
Himacerus mirmicoides
(O. G. Costa, 1834)
Synonyms
  • Aptus mirmicoides (O. G. Costa, 1834)

Etymology

The name “mirmicoides” comes from the similarity of nymphs in the early instars to ants.

Distribution

These bugs can be found in most of Europe.[1]

Habitat
Nymph

These bugs can be found on the ground, in low herbage and in dry open areas.[2]

Description

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

Adults can be found all year around. Mating and egg-laying begins in spring with the new generation occurring in August.[2]

References
  1. Fauna europaea
  2. British Bugs

Further reading
  • Kerzhner I.M., 1996 – Family Nabidae – Catalogue of the Heteroptera of the Palaearctic Region
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