Dindymus versicolor

Dindymus versicolor, commonly called the harlequin bug[2], is a species of cotton stainer bug (red bug), found in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. An attractive insect, up to 12 mm long with a black head and bands on the fore-wing, and orange/red elsewhere. When the wings are folded, two red triangles appear. Legs are relatively long.[3]

Harlequin Bug
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Hemiptera
Suborder:
Heteroptera
Infraorder:
Pentatomorpha
Superfamily:
Pyrrhocoroidea
Family:
Pyrrhocoridae
Genus:
Dindymus
Species:
D. versicolor
Binomial name
Dindymus versicolor
Synonyms

Odontopus versicolor Herrich-Schaeffer, 1853[1]

These sucking insects have a reputation as a pest in the garden, damaging a wide range of plants. They are known to damage a variety of crops and ornamentals. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture) report they attack cotton, pome fruits, stone fruits, fig, grape, kurrajong, strawberry, vegetables, wisteria, dahlia and violets.[4]

In winter they find shelter in dark shady places such as under compost, timber, hedges and fence palings.[5]

References
  1. Harlequin Bug, Atlas of Living Australia
  2. Dindymus versicolor, CSIRO Handbook of Australian Insect Names
  3. Child, John (1968). Australian Insects (revised ed.). Periwinkle Books. p. 38. Library of Congress Catalog Card (LCCN) 6822996 (Juvenile audience)
  4. Fletcher, Murray. "Plant Bugs 508" (PDF). Prime Facts. NSW Department of Primary Industries. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 May 2013.
  5. Stewart, Robin (2002). Robin Stewart's Chemical Free Pest Control. Melbourne: Black Inc. p. 159–161. ISBN 1863951318.


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