Anthocorid (Flower) Bugs

General Description

At least five species of flower bugs are important predators in BC orchards. Perhaps most common is the minute pirate bug.

Hosts

Aphids, pear psylla, mites, thrips, small insects.

Damage

Identification

Egg - creamy white, elongate, inserted into leaf tissue just beneath the epidermis causing a bump, and usually invisible.

Nymph - young nymph is yellowish to orange, older nymph is yellowish-brown, mature nymph 1.8 – 3.7 mm (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Minute pirate bug nymphs. (BCMA)

Adult - Narrow pointed head, elongate, shiny dark brown or black body with white markings, size 2.0-4.0 mm. Relatively fast moving (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Adult minute pirate bug.

Life History

Overwinter as adults in and around orchards under tree bark, wooden structures or in ground cover vegetation. Become active early in the season. There are three or four generations per year.

Monitoring

Limb taps will detect adults and nymphs.

Management

Funding for this project was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture through programs delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC, are pleased to participate in the delivery of this project. We are committed to working with our industry partners to address issues of importance to the agriculture and agri-food industry in British Columbia. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the BCFGA and not necessarily those of the Investment Agriculture Foundation, the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture or Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

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