Leptocoris bugs - Family Rhopalidae
We only found one species in this family.
Red Eyes Bug - Leptocoris mitellata or Leptocoris tagalicus
This page contains pictures and information about the Red Eyes Bugs that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.
- Body length 15mm
The bug has bright red eyes and red abdomen. Its thorax and front wing covers are reddish-brown in colour. Its legs and antenna are all on black.
- The bug can be found on different type of plants. They feed on both native plants and cultivated plants, including passion vines, stone fruit trees, tomatoes and other vegetables.
- This bug is common in Brisbane garden and backyards. They suck nap juices from the plants. Usually they do not do noticeable harm to the host plant.
- The bugs also feed on flowers.
- Those bugs can also be found on the ground. They run fast with their long legs..
- Nymph body length12mm, 15mm
- The nymph looks similar to the adult bugs except their wings are not fully developed. We found a number on them, including nymphs and adults, on the Lantana plants during early summer. When disturbed they hide on the other side of the leaf.
- Reference:
- 1. Insects
of Australia, CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Melbourne University
Press, 2nd Edition 1991, pp 504.
- 2. Plant bugs, Prime Facts - by Dr Murray Fletcher, 2007, www.dpi.gov.au
- 3. Wildlife of Greater Brisbane - New edition, Published by Queensland Museum 2007, p121.
- 4. Leptocoris mitellata Bergroth - Australian Insect Common Names, 2005, CSIRO.
- 5. RHOPALIDAE Scentless Plant Bugs - SOWN, Save Our Waterways Now, 2008.
