Big Eyed Bug Benefits Plants

Scientific Name: G. Geocoris, G. uliginosus, G. punctipes and G. bullatus

Nickname: Big-eyed bug

Appearance/Size:

Normally, black, brown, yellow, gray, or tan. Adults have small oval bodies and broad heads with distinctive, large, wide-set, bulging eyes. About 1/4 inch long with short antennae that have enlarged tips.

Prefered Habitat:

They prefer hot, humid temperatures. Idealy, 70-85°F with 50%+ rH.

Reproduction:

30 days to develop from egg to adult. In the NympH stage, they're wingless and do not fly. Living up to four months. Females produce two or more eggs per day. They have a high tolerance to insecticides.

Eat:

Whiteflys, Mites, and Aphids, Caterpillars, fleahoppers, etc. Will feed on pollen if food supply is scarce. An adult can eat up to 80 spider mites per day, and up to 1500 in a life time.

Side Notes:

There are 3 major types of Big-Eyed Bugs, they are often confused with Chinch Bugs, which are a major pest. Big-eyed bugs live in the southern and western United States and there are several species found in Texas.