Common Flower Bug vs Water Scorpion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Flower Bug Water Scorpion
Scientific Name Anthocoris nemorum Nepa cinerea
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Anthocoridae Nepidae
Size 3-4mm 18-22 mm
Habitat Orchards Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Flower Bug

A tiny brown bug that is a voracious predator of aphids, mites and psyllids. An important biological control agent.

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Did You Know?

Despite its tiny size it can consume dozens of aphids per day and is widely used in integrated pest management.

Water Scorpion

A flat aquatic bug that lurks in shallow water resembling a dead leaf. It breathes through a long tail-like siphon that breaks the water surface.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name and scorpion-like raptorial forelegs, the water scorpion is a weak swimmer and instead ambushes prey from vegetation.