General Description

Body red or orange and black on top, green underneath with red and black markings. Head and legs black. Body up to 1 cm long.

Biology

Harlequin Bugs usually cluster in large numbers on fences, walls, wood heaps and tree trunks. Mating pairs face opposite directions, joined at the end of the abdomens; the larger female usually dictates the direction of movement. They feed on a variety of weeds and plants, often damaging fruits and vegetables.

Distribution

South-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Roadside areas, paddocks and urban gardens.

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