Bronze orange bug nymph

Musgraveia sulciventris is a true bug in family Tessaratomidae with piercing and sucking mouthparts. These bugs live in forests, orchards and gardens in coastal areas. Feeding on plants belonging to the citrus family Rutaceae.

These bronze orange bugs are known for their ability to produce unpleasant chemicals when disturbed. They can squirt a foul smelling fluid that will burn human skin and cause great discomfort if it gets in the eyes.

This was one of a large grouping covering a single plant. It is a 4th or 5th instar nymph.

25 mm length

comments (5)

Ernst

Lion

Great find. Now we have to find an adult bug. Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  When I came to identify this sighting Ernst, I saw that there are many more nymph observations than adults. Now I wish I'd spent more time at this bush as these nymphs were all over it - maybe there was an adult around as well! Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Ernst
    
    Lion
    
    I had a very similar situation and never seen the adult bug. Posted 3 years ago

William Bodine

Lion

Fleshy colored back, Marvelous! Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks William, glad you enjoyed. Posted 3 years ago

The Bronze Orange Bug

"Musgraveia sulciventris" is a large stink bug found in Australia, commonly known as the bronze orange bug. It is considered a pest, particularly to plants in the citrus group. They suck the sap from trees, which causes the flowers and fruit to fall.

Info 3 0

Similar species: True Bugs

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman