Mediterranean Red Bug

Scantius aegyptius

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Pyrrhocoroidea
Family: Pyrrhocoridae
Genus: Scantius
Species: aegyptius

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scantius aegyptius: /ˈskæn.ti.əs iːˈdʒɪp.ti.əs/

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

Images

Scantius aegyptius. Pyrrhocoridae. - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Scantius aegyptius. Pyrrhocoridae. - Flickr - gailhampshire (1) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Scantius aegyptius. Pyrrhocoroidea (32766656705) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Mascara Africana -Scantius aegyptius (8200065837) by jacilluch. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Red Bug (15918352508) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Scantius aegyptius, known as the Mediterranean red bug, is a red bug species in the family Pyrrhocoridae, indigenous to the Mediterranean and now present in North America as an invasive species. It feeds on seeds and seed pods of Malvaceae plants and is characterized by its distinctive coloration used for defense.

Physical Characteristics

Black and red coloration with aposematism; black head, antennae, and legs; red back with two round black spots. Adults measure 7–9 mm in length, while nymphs may be completely red and develop dark spots as they moult.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinct black and red coloration and the presence of black spots on the red back. Size is also a cue, as adults are 7–9 mm long.

Habitat

Ground-dwelling, often found in areas where their host plants (Malvaceae) are present.

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean; adventive in North America (first found in California in 2009), established in southern California and parts of central California.

Diet

Feeds on seeds and seed pods of plants, specifically those in the Malvaceae family.

Life Cycle

Involves nymphal stages which may appear differently in coloration before developing into adults.

Predators

Uses aposematism as a defense mechanism to deter predators.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a pest of Malvaceae plant species, impacting local ecosystems and agriculture.

Economic Impact

Considered a pest that may affect crops within the Malvaceae family.

Collecting Methods

Net sweeping
Hand collecting

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Pinned specimens

Similar Taxa

Pyrrhocoris apterus
Corizus hyoscyami

Misconceptions

Due to its bright colors, it may be mistaken for harmful species, but it primarily acts as a pest for specific plants, rather than being dangerous itself.