Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 300

The common flowerbug, Anthocoris nemorum, is found across Europe and the Palearctic to China. It inhabits lower moist, shaded vegetation, particularly nettles, during the later half of the growing season. These bugs are small, around 3-4 mm in length, with elongated flat bodies, reflective forewings, and black pronotums. They are predatory insects, feeding on small insects like greenfly and red spider mites, and lay their eggs inside plant leaves. A. nemorum has also been used as a biological pest control.