Orius insidiosus |

Last updated: 23/08/2025
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(Also known as: Minute pirate bug; Insidious flower bug) |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.
Environmental fate |
Ecotoxicity |
Human health |
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A small bug that is a predator of thrips and that may be used for their biological control |
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Thrips (e.g. Frankliniella occidentalis, Sericothrips variabilis); Aphids; Mites; Eggs of some caterpillars |
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Protected vegetables; Ornamentals |
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Black and oval-shaped bug with white patches on the wings. Nymphs are teardrop shapped without wings and are a yellow-brown colour with red eyes. Both adults and nymphs will consume insects. |
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Class: Insecta; Order: Hemiptera; Family: Anthocoridae |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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No |
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ATAustria |
BEBelgium |
BGBulgaria |
CYCyprus |
CZCzech Republic |
DEGermany |
DKDenmark |
EEEstonia |
ELGreece |
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ESSpain |
FIFinland |
FRFrance |
HRCroatia |
HUHungary |
IEIreland |
ITItaly |
LTLithuania |
LULuxembourg |
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LVLatvia |
MTMalta |
NLNetherlands |
PLPoland |
PTPortugal |
RORomania |
SESweden |
SISlovenia |
SKSlovakia |
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ISIceland |
NONorway |
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Not applicable |
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Yes |
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Insectivore |
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Macro-organism |
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Natural |
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Consumption |
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Widespread. Common throughout the USA, Mexico and central America |
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Crop protection |
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Thrips (e.g. Frankliniella occidentalis, Sericothrips variabilis); Aphids; Mites; Eggs of some caterpillars |
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Protected vegetables; Ornamentals |
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Orius insidiosus (Say) |
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Most countries require a licence to be issued before non-native macro-organisms may be released as biocontrol agents |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Living organism |
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- Natures Alternative Insectary
- Praxis
- Koppert
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- Orius insidiosus pirate bug
- Minute pirate bug
- Thripor
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Usually supplied as adults |
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Commercial insect rearing begins with selecting high-quality breeding stock and maintaining ideal environmental conditions to support egg laying and larval development. Insects are housed in modular trays or bins and fed organic substrates close to their natural diet. Automated systems regulate climate, airflow, and carbon dioxide levels to ensure uniform growth and prevent disease outbreaks. Once larvae reach maturity, they are separated from the substrate, cleaned, and processed into protein-rich products for use. The remaining frass (insect waste) is repurposed as a nutrient-rich fertiliser, making insect farming a circular and sustainable enterprise. |
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According to environmental studies, insect farming can produce as little as 1–5 kg CO₂e per kg of insect biomass, depending on species, feed type, and energy sources used. |
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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None
Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects expected or identified |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects expected or identified |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects expected or identified |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects expected or identified |
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HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION |
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Not applicable |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects expected or identified |
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Carcinogen |
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Endocrine disruptor |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; E3 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 3 = Negative |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Reproduction / development effects |
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor |
Neurotoxicant |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Respiratory tract irritant |
Skin irritant |
Skin sensitiser |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
No data found |
Eye irritant |
Phototoxicant |
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XNo, known not to cause a problem |
No data found |
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No adverse health effects identified |
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Has been known to bite humans |
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Not listed (Not listed) |
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Orius insidiosus |
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Record last updated: |
23/08/2025 |
Contact: |
aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: |
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |