# Centrocoris Variegatus

Centrocoris Variegatus, also known as the colorful bug, loves to hide among plants! It has a bright pattern that helps it blend in with flowers and leaves.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Centrocoris Variegatus lives in gardens and fields, where there are plenty of flowers.
- **Also known as:** Colorful Bug, Flower Bug, Jumping Bug

![Centrocoris Variegatus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Coreidae_-_Centrocoris_variegatus.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coreidae_-_Centrocoris_variegatus.JPG)

## Appearance

The Centrocoris Variegatus is a medium-sized true bug, typically mottled brown or grayish, blending perfectly with dry vegetation. It has a somewhat flattened body and slender antennae, with slightly thickened hind legs.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hemiptera
- **Family:** Coreidae
- **Genus:** Centrocoris

## Interesting facts

- Spotting one is tricky because they are masters of blending in!
- Their babies look just like smaller versions of the adults, minus wings!
- These bugs are like tiny vampires, but they only drink plant juice!
- They belong to the same bug family as many 'stink bugs'!

## Special abilities

- **Stink Cloud Defense:** Centrocoris Variegatus can release a foul-smelling liquid that helps them deter hungry predators.
- **Plant Sap Sucker:** Centrocoris Variegatus has a straw-like mouthpart to drink nutritious sap from various plants.
- **Nature's Camouflage:** Centrocoris Variegatus has a mottled brown and grey pattern that helps them hide from watchful eyes.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 12-18 mm
- **Size:** 6-9 mm
- **Lifespan:** 60-180 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

It sips sweet sap from many different plants using its special straw-like mouth.

- **Primary Foods:** Thistle sap, Alfalfa sap, Clover sap, Various plant seeds
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — A common bird that preys on insects.
- **Eats:** [Alfalfa](https://www.snappit.app/explore/alfalfa) (*Medicago sativa*) — Feeds on the sap and seeds of this important crop.
- **Eaten by:** [European Mantis](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-mantis) (*Mantis religiosa*) — A large predatory insect in its habitat.
- **Eats:** [Creeping Thistle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creeping-thistle) (*Cirsium arvense*) — Often found feeding on the sap of thistle plants.

## Traits

- [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always look, but don't touch insects you find in nature.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Centrocoris Variegatus?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Centrocoris Variegatus's wingspan?

12-18 mm

### How big is Centrocoris Variegatus?

6-9 mm

### How long does Centrocoris Variegatus live?

60-180 days

### What does Centrocoris Variegatus eat?

It sips sweet sap from many different plants using its special straw-like mouth.

### Where is Centrocoris Variegatus usually found?

Centrocoris Variegatus lives in gardens and fields, where there are plenty of flowers.

### How does Centrocoris Variegatus hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Centrocoris Variegatus have?

6

## Where to spot

- [Booster Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/booster-park) — California, US · Park

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Centrocoris Variegatus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/centrocoris-variegatus)