Western Damsel Bug vs Broad-Shouldered Water Strider
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Damsel Bug | Broad-Shouldered Water Strider |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nabis alternatus | Microvelia americana |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Nabidae | Veliidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western North America | North America, Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Broad-Shouldered Water Strider
A tiny water strider relative that walks on the surface of ponds and puddles. It is widespread across the Americas on still freshwater.
Did You Know?
At barely 2 mm long, it is so small that it can walk on water trapped in a single hoofprint.