Painted bug

''Bagrada hilaris'' is a species of shield bug known by the common names bagrada bug and painted bug . It could be mistaken for or erroneously referred to as harlequin bug. It is native to much of eastern and southern Africa and parts of southern Europe and Asia. It is known elsewhere as an introduced species, including California and Arizona, where it was first reported in 2008. It is a major pest insect of ''Brassica oleracea'' crops and related crucifers such as turnips, rape and mustard. The adult and nymph of the species suck sap from the leaves of the plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunting of growth. Besides crucifers, the bugs are known on papaya, sorghum, maize, potato, cotton, caper, pearl millet, and some legumes. Large numbers of the bug congregate on the plants and cause extensive damage.