Common flowerbug explained

The common flowerbug (Anthocoris nemorum) is a common minute pirate or flower bug.^[1]

Distribution

The common flowerbug is found across Europe and the Palearctic to China.^{[2] [3]} It is common in Great Britain and Ireland. In the Alps it is found to about 2000 meters above sea level.

Habitat

It more commonly inhabits lower moist, shaded vegetation than trees,^[4] and especially nettles in the later half of the growing season.

Description

Anthocoris nemorum is typically 3–4 mm in length. These bugs have soft elongated flat bodies, with reflective forewings and black pronotum. The legs are mostly orange-brown, with small dark patches close to the tips of the femora. The antennae are mainly orange, with dark tips. In particular, antennal segments I and IV are usually dark, while II and III are pale with dark apices. The front wing is shiny transparent with a distinctive black dot in the center. The membrane shows an hourglass-shaped characteristic black spot at the wing tip. Nymphs of Anthocoris nemorum are dark brown or reddish brown.^{[4] [5]}

Biology

Adults can be found all year.^[6] They are predatory insects, feeding on small insects including aphids and red spider mites. A. nemorum lays its eggs inside plant leaves.^[7] It has been used as a biological pest control since 1992, primarily to control Cacopsylla pyri.^[8] It is capable of biting humans.^[9]

Notes and References

1. Book: N Arlott . R Fitter . A Fitter . Collins Complete Guide to British Wildlife . . 1994 . 0-00-219212-8 . 224 .
2. https://fauna-eu.org/cdm_dataportal/taxon/d0eeea36-9f6b-461b-a9a6-878c54611b97 Natura Europaea
3. Bisby F.A., Roskov Y.R., Orrell T.M., Nicolson D., Paglinawan L.E., Bailly N., Kirk P.M., Bourgoin T., Baillargeon G., Ouvrard D. Catalogue of Life
4. Web site: (Cimicidae) Anthocoris nemorum . British Bugs . 3 July 2011 . Joseph Botting.
5. https://influentialpoints.com/biocontrol/Anthocoris_nemorum_common_flower_bug.htm Influential Points
6. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/359507-Anthocoris-nemorum iNaturalist
7. Host-plant genotype mediates supply and demand of animal food in an omnivorous insect. Ecological Entomology. Stenberg. Lehrman. Björkman. 2011. 36. 4. 442–449. 10.1111/j.1365-2311.2011.01285.x. Johan A.. Anna. Christer.
8. Web site: Biocontrol agents: Hemiptera/Heteroptera . EPPO/OEPP . 2008 . EPPO / OEPP . European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization . 2011-07-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928204800/http://archives.eppo.org/EPPOStandards/biocontrol_web/heteroptera.htm . 2011-09-28 . dead .
9. Book: DA Burns . Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, Volume 1, Eighth Edition . . 2010 . 978-1405161695 . 38.23 .