Biology:Scantius aegyptius

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Short description: Species of true bug

Scantius aegyptius
Red Bug (15918352508).jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Family: Pyrrhocoridae
Genus: Scantius
Species:
S. aegyptius
Binomial name
Scantius aegyptius
(Linnaeus, 1758)

Scantius aegyptius, the Mediterranean red bug, is a species of red bug in the family Pyrrhocoridae, that is a pest of plant species in the family Malvaceae.[1][2][3]

These ground-dwelling bugs feed on seeds and seed pods.[4] They are known for their black and red coloration that employs aposematism to deter predators. Their head, antennae and legs are black, and their red back has two round black spots. Nymphs may be completely red, and develop increasing dark spots as they moult. Adults typically measure 7–9 mm in length.[4]

Mediterranean red bug, Scantius aegyptius
Mediterranean red bug, Scantius aegyptius

Considered an invasive species in North America, it was first recorded in California in 2009.[5] As of 2018, it could be found in most Southern California counties, as well as some in Central California.[4]

See also

References

Further reading

  • Catalogue of the Heteroptera of the Palaearctic Region, vol. 4: Pentatomorpha I: Aradidae, Lygaeidae, Piesmatidae, Malcidae, Berytidae, Colobathristidae, Largidae, Pyrrhocoridae. The Netherlands Entomological Society. 2001. ISBN 90-71912-21-3. 
  • Walker, Francis (1871). Catalogue of the Specimens of Hemiptera Heteroptera in the Collection of the British Museum, pt. IV. British Museum. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.9254. 

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q21302677 entry