Common flowerbug

Common flowerbug
Common flowerbug
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Anthocoridae
Genus: Anthocoris
Species: A. nemorum
Binomial name
Anthocoris nemorum
(Linnaeus, 1761)

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

It is a predatory insect, feeding on small insects including greenflys and red spider mites.[1] It is typically 3-4 mm in length, with reflective forewings and black pronotum. The legs are mostly orange-brown. It more commonly inhabits lower vegetation than trees.[2]

The common flowerbug is found across Europe and northern Asia (except China).[3] It is common in Great Britain and Ireland.[1]

It has been used as a biological pest control since 1992, primarily to control Cacopsylla pyri.[4] It is capable of biting humans.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c N Arlott, R Fitter, A Fitter (1994). Collins Complete Guide to British Wildlife. Collins. p. 224. ISBN 0-00-219212-8. 
  2. ^ Joseph Botting. "(Cimicidae) Anthocoris nemorum". British Bugs. http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Anthocoridae/Anthocoris_nemorum.html. Retrieved 3 July 2011. 
  3. ^ Myers Enterprises II 2009 - 2011. "Anthocoris nemorum (Common Flower Bug)". http://www.globalspecies.org/ntaxa/2178576. Retrieved 3 July 2011. 
  4. ^ EPPO / OEPP (2008). "Biocontrol agents: Hemiptera/Heteroptera". EPPO/OEPP. http://archives.eppo.org/EPPOStandards/biocontrol_web/heteroptera.htm. 
  5. ^ DA Burns (2010). Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, Volume 1, Eighth Edition. John Wiley and Sons. p. 38.23. ISBN 1405161698. http://media.wiley.com/assets/2103/68/9781405161695_chapter_38.pdf. 


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