Pirate bugs are important predators of thrips and mites. They are very abundant in sorghum crops through summer. In cotton, they are very effective thrips, mites and egg predators and may also feed on pollen. They often appear in large numbers at flowering when thrips are usually abundant.

Identification: Adults are 3mm long and dark brown or black with wings folded flat on the back. Wings are clear with black markings. The nymphs are colourless when they hatch, then darken to yellow and then dark brown as they develop. They have a distinct orange colour towards the end of the abdomen.

Lifecycle: The pirate bug has seven developmental stages; an egg, five larval stages and an adult – this lifecycle taking about 16-18 days at 25°C to complete. The adult can live for up to 4 weeks.

Habitat: Their distribution is worldwide. Their favoured vegetation is crops that produce flowers with pollen. They are good flyers and nimble, which assists in dispersing throughout the landscape.

Targeted prey: In all its developmental stages, the pirate bug is able to hunt and kill its prey by sucking its body fluids. They primarily feed on thrips and insect eggs, however they will also feed on aphids and spider mites.

 
“The Minute pirate bug is an important predator of Thrips and Mites.” 2.5mm Photo: L. Wilson

 
“The distinguishing feature of the Minute Pirate Bug nymph is the orange colouring towards the end of the abdomen. This nymph is pictured feeding on an adult Thrips.”  1-2mm Photo: L. Wilson