Hemiptera (Heteroptera): Nabidae
Identification
• Nabids are elongate (1/3 - 1/2 inch long), brown bugs. The membrane
of each forewing is edged with a series of cells.
Host Range
• Nabids eat many small insects, including beetle larvae, aphids, leafhoppers,
and caterpillars.
Life cycle
• Nymphs are similar to adults (incomplete metamorphosis). Their wings
develop gradually at each molt.
• All stages feed by jabbing their prey with sucking mouthparts, injecting
an enzyme that digests the body contents of the prey, and sucking the predigested
fluid from the prey.
Other information
• Nabids are one of the most frequently encountered predators in many
habitats.