Bronze Orange Bug (adult)

Description:

Bronze Orange Bugs are very large Australian stink bugs in the family Tessaratomidae. They are a brownish colour with distinctive markings. The head is very small with orange 5-segments antennae, and the legs have orange joints. On the second shot do notice the hole at the side of the between the middle and hind legs: it is the outlet for the bug's defensive fluid. Approach this species with caution (more in the notes)! The other holes on each segments of its abdomen are used for breathing.

Habitat:

Backyard, spotted on a lime tree. They feed from the sap from young tips of citrus plants.

Notes:

This specimen was 40 mm long head to abdomen. Caution: when threatened, tessaratomids squirt a strong jet of caustic liquid. From Wikipedia: "The defensive chemicals of tessaratomids (particularly that of Tessaratoma papillosa and Musgraveia sulciventris) are notable for being one of the most debilitating to vertebrates, probably a defense specifically aimed against birds. They can cause damage to human skin and even cause temporary blindness if sprayed unto the eyes".