Red Bugs

Pyrrhocoridae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pyrrhocoridae: //ˌpɪrəˈkɒrɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Dysdercus suturellus P1130226a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cotton Stainer - Dysdercus suturellus, Eco Pond, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida (24180427127) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Dysdercus mimulus (Family Pyrrhocoridae) by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Biologia Centrali-Americana (8272536906) by Bale & Danielsson; Bannwarth, Th.; Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company; Godman, Frederick Du Cane; Hanhart; Horman-Fisher, Maud; Knight, H.; Mintern Bros.; Purkiss, W.; Salvin, Osbert; Saunders, G. S.; Schlereth, M. v.; Sharp, M. A.; Taylor & Francis; Wilson, Edwin. Used under a Public domain license.
Cotton Stainer nymph - Dysdercus suturellus, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, Felda, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Biologia Centrali-Americana - Dysdercus concinnus 3 by Bale & Danielsson; Bannwarth, Th.; Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company; Godman, Frederick Du Cane; Hanhart; Horman-Fisher, Maud; Knight, H.; Mintern Bros.; Purkiss, W.; Salvin, Osbert; Saunders, G. S.; Schlereth, M. v.; Sharp, M. A.; Taylor & Francis; Wilson, Edwin. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Pyrrhocoridae, commonly known as red bugs or cotton stainers, comprises a family of insects more than 300 species worldwide. They are primarily found on low plants, feeding on seeds and fruits, and are known for staining cotton crops. The family is characterized by its notable red coloration and specific morphological features that differentiate it from similar families.

Physical Characteristics

8‒18 mm in length, with some exotic forms up to 30 mm. Membrane of the forewing has 1 or 2 cells and about 7-8 branching veins. Three tarsal segments. Small triangular scutellum. Antennae consist of four segments; second segment longer than third. Rostrum has four segments and reaches the base of the middle pair of legs.

Identification Tips

Members can be quickly separated from Lygaeidae by the absence of ocelli on the top of the head. Female pyrrhocorids have an undivided sixth visible abdominal segment, while in female Largidae, it appears split in the middle. Presence of reduced scent gland openings is also a distinguishing feature.

Habitat

Mostly found on low plants, a few species are ground-dwelling and tend to feed on fallen mature seeds.

Distribution

Worldwide, with over 400 species across approximately 65 genera. Most diverse in the tropics and subtropics; few species in temperate regions. Common in southern areas.

Diet

Primarily granivorous or fructivorous; feeds on seeds or fruits of plants in the Malvales. Some species, such as Dysdercus suturellus and Dysdercus cingulatus, are associated with cotton and can cause damage by staining and cutting fibers.

Predators

Some species are predatory, such as Raxa nishidai which preys on Melamphaus faber; Antilochus coquebertii feeds on other bugs including Dysdercus cingulatus.

Ecosystem Role

Some species serve as pest control by preying on other insects; also recognized for their role in causing damage to crops, particularly cotton.

Economic Impact

Dysdercus suturellus and Dysdercus cingulatus are notable crop pests, especially in cotton-growing regions, causing damage via staining and fiber cutting.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection
  • Sweep netting
  • Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Ethyl alcohol preservation

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with Lygaeidae and Largidae; the presence of ocelli distinguishes them from these families.

Tags

  • Pyrrhocoridae
  • Red Bugs
  • Cotton Stainers
  • Hemiptera
  • Insects
  • Tropical Diversity