The predatory bugs (Reduviidae) are a family of bugs (Heteroptera). They are distributed worldwide with around 7,000 species. The German name refers to their exclusively predatory lifestyle. They vary in size (3 to 5 mm, in some species even several cm), shape and colour. With an exclusively predatory lifestyle, they actively pursue their prey, primarily insects of all kinds, or wait for them lurking on flowers or other places.
They have a short, strong, downward-curved proboscis. This is used to sting the prey, which is then paralysed by the venom injected and then sucked out. As so-called clean-up predators, they are among the most important beneficial insects in viticulture because their prey spectrum includes numerous pests. These include aphids, mites and cicadas as well as caterpillars of the rhomboid moth, jumping worm moth and grape berry moth.
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