Are you fascinated by the world of insects? In this article, we will introduce you to ten remarkable red beetles and bugs that are certain to pique your interest. With their striking red hues, these insects are hard to ignore, whether they evoke awe or fear. We will begin by exploring five red beetles, then expand our journey to include a variety of other red bugs. Join us as we delve into the fascinating realm of these colorful creatures!
These vivid insects command attention with their distinctive red coloration, and learning about them can be a fascinating adventure. From beetles to a broader array of bugs, this guide will provide you with intriguing insights about ten red insect species. So, without further ado, let’s embark on this captivating and educational exploration of the brilliantly-hued insect world!
10. The Scarlet Lily Beetle
The Scarlet Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii), also known as the Lily Leaf Beetle, originated in Eurasia and made its way to North America during World War II through plant imports from Europe. Since the 1990s, this beetle has spread across New England and further west.
Feeding Habits
These beetles primarily feed on lily leaves, stems, buds, and flowers, causing extensive damage to native and cultivated lilies as well as fritillaries. Other plants, such as the lily of the valley and Solomon’s seal, may also be affected. However, daylilies, canna lilies, and calla lilies remain unharmed.
Life Cycle
During early spring, adult Scarlet Lily Beetles emerge to search for food, mate, and lay eggs. These beetles are known for their ability to cover vast distances in search of host plants. A female beetle typically lays between 250-450 eggs throughout the mating season.
9. Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle
The Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle is an insect with a rounded body and dimpled wings. This beetle species can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens. Their distinct features include black legs and long, toothed antennae. They are different from lily beetles, which arrived in the UK on imported flowers in the 1900s.
During summer, adult beetles enjoy basking on flowers and tree trunks. Both the adults and flattened larvae serve as predators, feeding on insects and insect larvae inhabiting the same environment.
8. Common Red Soldier Beetle
The Rhagonycha fulva, or common red soldier beetle, thrives during summertime, drawn to open-structured blossoms such as daisies, cow parsley, and hogweed. You can find them in diverse habitats like grasslands, hedgerows, woodlands, parks, and gardens. Adult beetles have an appetite for aphids, pollen, and nectar, while their larvae enjoy munching on ground-dwelling invertebrates like slugs and snails.
These beetles spend a significant amount of their brief summer existence mating. They can be recognized by their lengthy antennae, slim bodies, and distinctive orangey-red color with black markings on their wing casings.
7. Red Flour Beetle
The red flour beetle originates from the Indo-Australian region and thrives in temperate climates, commonly found in the southern United States. These beetles are known to infest various grain and dry-stored food products like flour, cake mix, cornmeal, crackers, and even dry pet food. Infestations often include both adult beetles and their off-white larvae.
Remarkably, adult red flour beetles can be found not only in cupboards but also anywhere within a household, separated from contaminated materials. Measuring just 1/8 inch in length, these tiny beetles have a lifespan of around three years.
Often confused with its lookalike, the “confused” flour beetle, these two species exhibit similar appearances, biochemical composition, and behaviors. In fact, the confused flour beetle earned its name due to its indistinct identity. A key difference between the two is that the red flour beetle has curved sides, whilst the confused flour beetle possesses a straight thorax. Both species share a global distribution and share a fondness for consuming pantry items.
6. Fire-Colored Beetle
The fire-colored beetle, also known as Pyrochroa serraticornis, is a visually striking insect with bright red wings and head. Although its vibrant colors give the impression of danger, these beetles are harmless to humans. They do not sting, release harmful chemicals, or bite.
Fire-colored beetle larvae tend to reside in hidden places such as behind rocks and woodpiles. Adult beetles may occasionally enter homes, typically by being inadvertently transported on firewood.
5. Firebug
The firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) is a widespread insect belonging to the Pyrrhocoridae family. With its striking red and black appearance, it can be mistaken for the unrelated cinnamon bug (Corizus hyoscyami).
Known as a “Cotton Stainer” in North America and India, the firebug is notorious for damaging cotton plants by extracting sap and leaving fecal stains on cotton bolls.
They mainly feed on lime and mallow seeds and can often be found gathered on the sunlit side of lime tree trunks. Measuring between 8-18 mm (0.3 to 0.7 inches) in length, these oval-shaped, bright red bugs are an easily recognizable sight.
4. Red Velvet Ant
The red velvet ant, scientifically known as Dasymutilla occidentalis, is a type of wingless female wasp that resembles an ant due to its hairy body. Males, on the other hand, are winged but cannot sting. These insects exhibit striking orange-red hair patches on their thorax and abdomen. They are most commonly found during the summer season and can grow up to three-quarters of an inch in length.
Contrary to popular belief, the red velvet ants’ nickname “cow-killer,” comes not from their ability to kill cows, but because of their potent sting. Females possess a strong stinging ability, causing excruciating pain to those unfortunate enough to experience it. However, it is essential to know that their sting is not fatal to larger animals like cows.
3. Fire Ant
Fire ants, scientifically known as Solenopsis saevissima, are highly aggressive and colorful ants that originated from South America. They were accidentally introduced to North America and can measure between 1 to 5 mm in length. Fire ants are infamous for their painful sting, and their colonies pose a threat to crops, such as grains, and even to chickens.
These ants are known for their aggressive behavior when faced with rival ant colonies or young fire ants. If disturbed, they can sting multiple times, causing irritation and the formation of white, fluid-filled pustules on the skin. Some individuals may experience more severe symptoms like swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, and sweating. In such cases, it is crucial to seek medical assistance promptly.
2. Red Banded Leafhopper
The Graphocephala coccinea, commonly known as the red-banded leafhopper or candy-striped leafhopper, is a visually striking insect with vivid red and blue stripes on its wings and thorax, as well as yellow accents on the head, legs, and underside. Measuring about three-eighths of an inch long, they inhabit woods and meadows, feeding on leaf and stem sap.
These leafhoppers can be found grazing on ornamental plants like Scotch broom and crape myrtle. While feeding, they pierce the plant’s surface and inject saliva. Their feeding habits may transmit Pierce’s Disease, a fatal grapevine infection caused by the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa. Oak, elm, sycamore, and other trees can also be infected by this disease, which is primarily spread by leafhoppers consuming the xylem bacteria.
1. Black-and-Red-Bug (Lygaeus equestris)
The Black-and-Red-Bug (Lygaeus equestris) belongs to the Lygaeidae family and thrives in warm environments as a sun-loving insect. These bugs have a distinct appearance, featuring vibrant red wings and long legs, and are about half an inch in length. The red-black pattern of these ground bugs serves as a protective mechanism as it deters other insects.
Lygaeus equestris is known to feed on an assortment of plants, with many of them being poisonous. By consuming the toxic elements from these plants, the bugs become unpalatable to potential predators, allowing them an additional layer of protection.
The author, Jennifer Gaeng, is an experienced writer specializing in animals, lakes, and fishing. She has spent over 15 years honing her writing and research skills in various niches. Hailing from Missouri, Gaeng draws inspiration from her loved ones and the beauty of nature. She also enjoys drawing and engages herself in creative pursuits beyond writing.