Common flowerbug

The common flowerbug, Anthocoris nemorum, is a common minute pirate or flower bug.

It is a predatory insect, feeding on small insects including greenflys and red spider mites. It is typically 3–4 mm in length, with reflective forewings and black pronotum. The legs are mostly orange-brown. It more commonly inhabits lower vegetation than trees, and especially nettles in the later half of the growing season. A. nemorum lays its eggs inside plant leaves.

The common flowerbug is found across Europe and northern Asia (except China). It is common in Great Britain and Ireland.

It has been used as a biological pest control since 1992, primarily to control Cacopsylla pyri. It is capable of biting humans.