Marsh Damselbug - Nabis limbatus

Length 7.5 to 9.0 mm. N. limbatus has a broad body and very short wings. This species is always micropterous, and the forewings are shorter than in N. flavomarginatus, covering the 2nd and part of the 3rd abdominal segments only. The similar Reed Damsel Bug (N. lineatus) can occur in similar habitats to N. limbatus, but is larger and has a narrower connexivum, giving it a more elongate appearance. Note that male damsel bugs are much more slender than females, so this character must be used with care.

Damp grassland, marshy areas and wet meadows.

Adult: June-October.

Adults lay eggs in summer which hatch the following spring.

Widespread and common throughout the UK.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.