Integrated pest management resources for Michigan Michigan State University home IPM Michigan home
Identifying natural enemies Return to: grapes web, native plants web

Search
Resources
bulletChristmas trees
bulletField crops
bulletFruit
bulletHome and yard
bulletNursery and landscape
bulletTurfgrass
bulletVegetable

Related pest diagnostic/management programs
Diagnostic Services ● Soil/Plant Nutrient Lab ● Enviro-weather ●Regional IPM Center ● Pesticide safety ● Organic: New Ag Network ● Invasive species ●Sustainable ag & food systems

Organizations
MSU ANR departments ● MSU Extension ● Site index ●Contacts/permissions
Minute pirate bug - Anthocoridae, Orius insidiosus
Identifying natural enemies > true bugs > Minute pirate bug
Adults: Elongate, oval, flattened. Black and white wing patches. Sharp, piercing beak. Length 2-5 mm.

Eggs: Deposited inside plant material.

Minute pirate bug adult Minute pirate bug nymph
Adult Nymph

Nymphs: Small and wingless. Teardrop-shaped. Orange to brown. Both nymphs and adults are fast-moving and often take refuge in developing leaves and flowers.

Diet: Aphids, mites and small caterpillars, including corn earworm, as well as insect eggs. Minute pirate bugs feed on plant material if prey is in short supply, but do not cause detectable damage.
 
Back to true bugs
This information was developed for the publication Identifying Natural Enemies in Field Crops by Mary Gardiner, Christina DiFonzo, Michael Brewer and Takuji Noma, MSU Extension bulletin E2949.
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
Email the web developer.
12/21/06