Adult minute pirate bugs or flower bugs usually are black with white markings and 2 mm long. The elongated, thickened, basal part of the front wing is yellowish white and marked by a large, triangular black spot at the tip; the membranous part of the wing is white. The insect resembles the chinch bug but is much smaller. Minute pirate bug nymphs are yellow. They feed on insect eggs, newly-hatched larvae, nymphs, small insects, and spider mites.

Damsel bugs are 8 mm long, with the body narrowed anteriorly. The front legs close tightly to grasp prey and are armed on the inner surface with a double row of short spines. Some species have both long- and short-winged forms. Most damsel bugs are yellowish brown. Damsel bugs hide among foliage or in flowers and capture and eat aphids, caterpillars, and other insects.