Anthocorid Bugs
Hemiptera: Anthocoridae
There are about 70 species of anthocorid bugs in North America. These tiny predators, also known as flower bugs, reproduce more rapidly than do most other common predaceous insects. They can develop from egg to adult in as little as 15 days. Both adults and nymphs suck body fluids from their prey. The most common predaceous anthocorid is the minute pirate bug, Orius tristicolor; but three species of Anthocoris may also be abundant in fruit orchards. Anthocoris nemoralis is a European species introduced in North America as a predator for pear psylla.
Hosts
Anthocorid bugs attack spider mites, thrips, aphids, young scales, pear psylla and eggs of various insects. Anthocoris are particularly well adapted for feeding on pear psylla and can play a major role in the biological control of this pest.
Life Stages
Egg: The egg is elongate and creamy white when first laid, and is about 1/25 inch (1-2mm) long. It is inserted into leaf tissues just beneath the epidermis, causing a bump. The white cap, or operculum, is the only part of the egg that is visible. The pattern on the cap is unique for each Anthocoris species.
Nymph: The young nymph is yellowish to orange. The older nymph has a yellow to orange head and thorax with an amber colored abdomen, and grows about ¼ inch (5-6mm) in length.
Adult: The adult has mostly black and white markings on the wings. Orius tristicolor adults are about 1/16 inch (1.5mm) long, while Anthocoris adults are 1/8 inch (3mm) long.
Monitoring
Adults and nymphs can be monitored in orchards with beating trays.
Management
Anthocorids can be released in orchards and often will remain there year after year. They appear to have developed a tolerance to some insecticides, such as azinphosmethyl, chlorpyrifos, amitraz and oxythioquinox, but they are very susceptible to phrethroids.