Predatory Bugs : Big-eyed bugs
categories: Natural Enemies Predatory Bugs
last review date: 2025-09-12 10:35
Photo by: D.G. James
Biology
Big-eyed bugs are oval, somewhat flattened, and 1/10 to 1/5 inch in length. They are usually gray-brown to blackish and have a wide head with prominent, bulging eyes. Antennae are short and enlarged at the tip. Big-eyed bugs walk with a distinctive “waggle” and emit an unpleasant odor when handled.
Eggs are laid near potential prey and hatch into nymphs that resemble adults except they are smaller and lack wings. Development from egg to adult through five nymphal stages takes approximately 30-40 days under summer conditions.
Both adults and nymphs are predatory but can survive on nectar and honeydew when prey is scarce. Nymphs may consume up to 1600 spider mites during development and adults feed on 80 to 100 mites a day. Big-eyed bugs prey on a wide variety of insects and mites smaller than themselves. They also feed on eggs and small larvae of cutworm moths and other caterpillar pests, as well as all stages of leafhoppers, thrips and mites.
Two to three generations a year occur between April and September. Adults overwinter in leaf litter or under bark.
Prey or Pest Targeted
- Mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, caterpillars, mealybugs, beetles, scale insects, insect eggs
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.