Cabbage Stem Weevil vs Western Damsel Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cabbage Stem Weevil Western Damsel Bug
Scientific Name Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus Nabis alternatus
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Curculionidae Nabidae
Size 2.5-3.5 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cabbage Stem Weevil

A grey weevil that mines inside brassica stems. Larvae tunnel through stems causing weakening. One of several Ceutorhynchus species affecting oilseed rape.

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Did You Know?

Larval tunneling weakens plant stems to the point where they may snap in windy conditions.

Western Damsel Bug

A tan to light brown predatory bug common in agricultural fields across western North America. It has elongate forelegs adapted for capturing prey. It is valued as a natural biological control agent in alfalfa and other crops.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most abundant generalist predators in western alfalfa fields and can significantly reduce lygus bug populations without any pesticide intervention.