# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens - **Also known as:** Damsel Bug ![Nabis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Nabis_rugosus_2006.05.28_13.47.08-p5280196.jpg&width=800) Photo: Michael Becker, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nabis_rugosus_2006.05.28_13.47.08-p5280196.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Nabidae - **Genus:** Nabis ## 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 - **Prey Grippers:** Nabis has strong, spiny front legs that help them quickly grasp and hold onto their insect prey. - **Stealthy Blending:** Nabis can change its color slightly to match plants, helping them hide from both predators and prey. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — Nabis can fall prey to larger predatory spiders. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Nabis? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Ike Kinswa State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ike-kinswa-state-park) — Washington, US · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Nabis: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/nabis)