Red Bug
Deraeocoris ruber
This record describes Deraeocoris ruber (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6-8 mm. The ground colour (including the scutellum) ranges from red-orange to almost fully black, although the cuneus is always red to some extent. The forewings are very shiny. The tibiae are unbanded and the 1st antennal segment and at least the base of the 2nd are black. It can be found on a range of plants, especially Nettles. More common in Southern Britain and very rare in Ireland.
Wikipedia reference for Deraeocoris ruber: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deraeocoris_ruber.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Miridae (Plant Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Deraeocorinae
- Tribe
- Deraeocorini
- Genus
- Deraeocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can be found on a range of plants, especially Nettles.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July-September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This bug feeds on small insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
More common in Southern Britain and very rare in Ireland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Deraeocoris ruber. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Red Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Bug
What is Red Bug?
Red Bug (Deraeocoris ruber) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Red Bug?
6-8 mm. The ground colour (including the scutellum) ranges from red-orange to almost fully black, although the cuneus is always red to some extent. The forewings are very shiny. The tibiae are unbanded and the 1st antennal segment and at least the base of the 2nd are black.
Where is Red Bug found?
Habitat: It can be found on a range of plants, especially Nettles.
When is Red Bug active?
Red Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: July-September..
What is the life cycle of a Red Bug?
This bug feeds on small insects.