Nabis rugosus is a predatory true bug. The species is found in the Palearctic.It is found in Europe from the North edge of the Mediterranean to southern Scandinavia. Further East, the distribution extends East across the Palearctic to Central Asia and Siberia. The species occurs everywhere in Central Europe and is found in the lowlands, as well as in the central uplands and in the Alps up to about 1500 meters above sea level. It is central Europe's most common species of sickle bug and it is found in many different habitats open, dry, shaded and moist but it prefers moderately moist, half shady places with dominant grass. Adjacent woodland vegetation is equally important