Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 90

The species Lygus pratensis is found in Europe, Africa, Northern Asia, and the Indomalayan realm, and prefers heaths, hedge rows, and meadows. It can reach a length of 6.1-7.3 mm in males and 5.8-6.7 mm in females, with varying color patterns and markings. These bugs are sap-sucking and feed on herbaceous plants and flower nectar, making them polyphagous. They are considered pests and adults are present year-round, with one or two generations. The females lay their eggs in May and June, and the larvae can be confused with aphids. Parasitic wasps can be used for biological control against these bugs.