Red Shouldered Bugs

Description:

Despite the fact that the soapberry bugs belong to the family of insects referred to as the scentless plant bugs, they are actually quite redolent. When disturbed, soapberry bugs release a pungent, odorous substance that discourages predation and renders them unpalatable (possibly even poisonous). It is thought that their bright coloration and strong odor serve to advertise their unpalatability to potential predators; this phenomenon, a common type of antipredator adaptation, is known as aposematism. Their aposematism is effective and permits them to fearlessly aggregate on trees, rocks, and man-made structures to sun themselves. These aggregations often consist of hundreds and sometimes even millions of soapberry bugs.