Common Flower Bug vs Milkweed Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Flower Bug Milkweed Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Anthocoris nemorum Zelus longipes
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Anthocoridae Reduviidae
Size 3-4mm 16-20 mm
Habitat Orchards Gardens
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe North America, Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Flower Bug

A tiny brown bug that is a voracious predator of aphids, mites and psyllids. An important biological control agent.

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Did You Know?

Despite its tiny size it can consume dozens of aphids per day and is widely used in integrated pest management.

Milkweed Assassin Bug

A slender, brightly colored assassin bug with red and black markings. It is a generalist predator common in gardens and agricultural fields.

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Did You Know?

It coats its legs with sticky resin to trap small insects, functioning as a living flypaper strip.