IPMP3.0, Oregon State University, Copyright 2000

DAMSEL BUGS

Contents

Identification

Fact Sheet (requires Acrobat Reader 3.x or above to read and print. Click below to download the free "Reader".)

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Registered Insecticides

References

[Insect Management]

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Link to large image (109K) of Damsel Bug Nymph Link to large image (119K) of Damsel Bug Adult

Link to large image (126K) of Damsel Bug Adult
Damsel Bug Nymph Damsel Bug Adults
Link to large image (109K) of Damsel Bug Eggs Damsel bug adults are tan or grey, with piercing-sucking mouthparts and enlarged front legs for grasping prey.  They have slender bodies, and about 10 to 12 mm long. Nymphs resemble adults, except they are smaller and have no wings. Damsel bugs overwinter as adults in protected places and appear in the field in April or May. Adults begin laying eggs soon after emergence. Eggs are depositied in soft plant tissues. Eggs hatch into nymphs, which feed on small insects or eggs. There are numerous, overlapping generations during the season. Adults and nymphs feed on many soft-bodied insects, including aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, and small caterpillars.
   

Damsel Bug Eggs

 View the Fact Sheet for More Information

This section contains information on the identification of damsel bugs.  The Fact Sheet contains specific information on identifcation and biology of this predator (requires Acrobat Reader).