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Harlequin Bug

Lygaeus equestris (Linnaeus & C. 1758)

Associations

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Foodplant / feeds on
Lygaeus equestris feeds on Taraxacum

Foodplant / feeds on
Lygaeus equestris feeds on Vincetoxicum

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Lygaeus equestris

provided by wikipedia EN

Lygaeus equestris, common name Black-and-Red-bug, is a species of ground bugs belonging to the family Lygaeidae, subfamily Lygaeinae.

Subspecies

Subspecies include:[1]

  • Lygaeus equestris equestris (Linnaeus, 1758)
  • Lygaeus equestris sicilianus (Wagner, 1955)

Description

These bugs can reach about 11 to 12 millimetres (0.43 to 0.47 in) in length. They have a characteristic red-black pattern, fully developed wings and long, powerful legs. The hemelytra have two transverse bands that reach the margin and a round white spot on the membrane. Scutellum is without bristles but with tiny hairs. The black band close to the eye is wider than the same.

This species is very difficult to differentiate from Lygaeus simulans, that has a scutellum with long bristles, antennae with angulous tubercles and a larger red area on the head.

The red-black pattern has a deterrent effect and serves to protect the insect (Mullerian mimicry or Batesian mimicry). By storing the toxic ingredients of their food plants, they are unpalatable to potential predators.

Biology

Nymph of Lygaeus equestris

The nymphs and the imagos feed on juices of various plants, particularly milkweed (Vincetoxicum hirundinaria),[2] Taraxacum species,[3] Spring pheasant's eye (Adonis vernalis) and sometimes also on dandelions.[4] Adults overwinter.[2]

Distribution and habitat

It is mainly present in Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.[5] It inhabits lawns, forests clearings and scrubs, generally in warm calcareous areas.[2]

References

Wikispecies has information related to Lygaeus equestris.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lygaeus equestris.
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Lygaeus equestris: Brief Summary

provided by wikipedia EN

Lygaeus equestris, common name Black-and-Red-bug, is a species of ground bugs belonging to the family Lygaeidae, subfamily Lygaeinae.

license
cc-by-sa-3.0
copyright
Wikipedia authors and editors
original
visit source
partner site
wikipedia EN