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Nabis limbatus Marsh Damsel Bug
Family: Nabidae

Wi
despread and common in damp grassland and wet meadows throughout the UK, 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.

Adults lay eggs in summer which hatch the following spring.

Adult: June-October
Length 7.5-9.0 mm

Nabis limbatus Marsh Damsel Bug
Adult female: (October 2007) ©Brian Kilford

Nabis limbatus Marsh Damsel Bug Nabis limbatus Marsh Damsel Bug
Adult female: Yorks (August 2008) ©Joe Botting

Adult male: Lincs (August 2008) ©Michael Talbot

Nabis limbatus Marsh Damsel Bug Nabis limbatus Marsh Damsel Bug
Adult male: Yorks (July 2008) ©David Gould

Adult pair: Berks (August 2008) ©Jonathan Michaelson