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Nabis

Nabis

Nabis, also known as the damsel bug, is a small insect that loves to eat other bugs. They are great helpers in gardens because they keep pest numbers down and help plants grow healthy.

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Nabis is a slender, elongated insect typically pale brown, gray, or green, helping it blend perfectly with plant foliage. It has large, prominent eyes and long, thin antennae. Its unique front legs are modified for grasping prey, making them appear ready to pounce.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyNabidaeGenusNabis
Nabis
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
Nabis

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Nabis eggs are hidden deep inside plant stems for extra protection.

Some Nabis species have tiny wings or no wings at all!

They are considered 'good bugs' because they help farmers protect crops!

They can play dead by freezing to trick predators into leaving them alone!

Special abilities

Ability

Prey Grippers

Nabis has strong, spiny front legs that help them quickly grasp and hold onto their insect prey.

Ability

Stealthy Blending

Nabis can change its color slightly to match plants, helping them hide from both predators and prey.

Ability

Venomous Bite

Nabis injects a paralyzing venom into its prey through its sharp mouthpart, making escape impossible.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
8-24 mm
Size
4-12 mm
Lifespan
30-90 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Nabis are fierce hunters of small insects, helping to control pests in gardens and fields.

Age differences: Nymphs consume smaller versions of the same prey as adults.

Primary Foods

  • aphids
  • leafhoppers
  • caterpillar larvae
  • mites
  • insect eggs

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Cotton aphid

Aphis gossypii

Main food source, helps control populations.

hunts

Green peach aphid

Myzus persicae

Predates on this common agricultural pest.

hunts

Beet armyworm

Spodoptera exigua

Consumes eggs and small larvae of this pest.

eaten by

Garden spider

Argiope aurantia

Nabis can fall prey to larger predatory spiders.

Traits

Also known as

Damsel Bug

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Nabis are harmless and won't hurt you, but it's always good to watch insects from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nabis's wingspan?

8-24 mm

How big is Nabis?

4-12 mm

How long does Nabis live?

30-90 days

What does Nabis eat?

Nabis are fierce hunters of small insects, helping to control pests in gardens and fields.

Where is Nabis usually found?

Gardens

How does Nabis hunt?

Ambush

How many legs does Nabis have?

6

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Where to spot

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