Bee Stylops vs Western Damsel Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Stylops | Western Damsel Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stylops pacificus | Nabis alternatus |
| Order | Strepsiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Stylopidae | Nabidae |
| Size | 2.0-3.5 mm (males) | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasites | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Western North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Bee Stylops
A strepsipteran parasite of Andrena bees in western North America. Males emerge as tiny winged adults that live for only a few hours.
Did You Know?
Male strepsipterans have the shortest adult lifespan of any insect, often living less than five hours.
Western Damsel Bug
A tan to light brown predatory bug common in agricultural fields across western North America. It has elongate forelegs adapted for capturing prey. It is valued as a natural biological control agent in alfalfa and other crops.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most abundant generalist predators in western alfalfa fields and can significantly reduce lygus bug populations without any pesticide intervention.