Adult Nabis roseipennis. Photo by John F. Carr 2010

Damsel bugs (10 mm in length) are common predators in southeastern row crops. These insects feed on corn earworm larvae and eggs, other caterpillars and thrips among other prey. Both adults and immature damsel bugs are predators. Adults are brownish with an elongate torso and head with long thin legs. Immatures have a similar appearance with shortened wings. According to a 2013 survey in Virginia soybean, damsel bug populations are highest in August and early September. Damsel bug feeding rates are highest at night, in contrast to high daytime feeding rates common to many predatory insects such as lady beetles. Keep in mind that broad-spectrum insecticides will significantly decrease damsel bug populations in soybean fields.