Ant Damsel Bug vs Cotton Harlequin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant Damsel Bug | Cotton Harlequin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Himacerus mirmicoides | Tectocoris diophthalmus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Nabidae | Scutelleridae |
| Size | 7-8 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ant Damsel Bug
A slender brown predatory bug whose nymphs remarkably mimic ants for protection from predators. Adults lose the ant-like appearance and become typical damsel bugs. It is a beneficial predator in European gardens and fields.
Did You Know?
The young nymphs are such convincing ant mimics that they even walk with a jerky, ant-like gait, fooling both predators and entomologists at first glance.
Cotton Harlequin Bug
One of Australia's most colourful insects, with a brilliant metallic orange and iridescent blue-black shield-shaped body. The colour pattern varies between individuals, with females being larger and more brightly marked.
Did You Know?
Females guard their eggs and young nymphs, standing over them protectively in a rare display of maternal care for a bug.