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Himacerus mirmicoides

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

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

Etymology

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

Distribution

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

Habitat

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Nymph

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

Description

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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

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

References

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Further reading

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