Ground shield bug

Appearance

A shiny, compact, convex bug. Head and legs deep blue, thorax also deep blue at sides but crimson and brown along the mid-line, abdomen (including wings) covered by a much-enlarged scutellum that is largely crimson but which bears one large blue blotch towards the front and two smaller ones towards the rear; these blotches may have a green or coppery sheen. Whole surface of body pitted with sparse puncturation. Eyes bulbous, antennae filamentous – antennal segments long and thin. Juveniles (nymphs) resemble adults but are smaller, more rounded and less brightly coloured. Body-length to 1 cm.

Naming

Synonym
Cimex paganus Fabricius, 1775

Common name
Red jewel bug

Distribution

Australia

Behavior

In spring and early on summer mornings, all instars can be found sunning themselves on rocks or roads, having emerged from sheltering in the leaf-litter or under logs.

Habitat

Woodland and scrubland

Reproduction

Nymphs are gregarious, forming mixed-size ‘crèches’ that are loosely tended by adults.

Food

Adults and nymphs feed primarily on the sappy contents of seeds of hop-bush (Dodonaea viscosa), including those which have fallen to the ground.

Defense

Generally not harmful, but can exude noxious chemicals.