Cotton Harlequin Bug

Description:

The Cotton Harlequin Bug is brightly coloured bug with metallic sheen. The body is shield shaped. Males and females are different colours - females are mostly orange and males are blue and red. Size: 20mm

Habitat:

Urban areas, agricultural areas, coastal areas

Notes:

Food: These bugs feed on many species of the hibiscus family (Malvaceae), including ornamental hibiscus and cotton. It feeds on the young shoots, piercing the stems and sucking the sap. Breeding: Females lay clusters of eggs around twigs and guard them until they hatch.