Red-shouldered Bug
ExploreInsects
Red-shouldered Bug
Jadera haematoloma
The Red-shouldered Bug is a colorful insect with bright red shoulders and a black body. They love to hang out on plants and are often seen in gardens, making them fun to spot!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Red-shouldered Bug has a distinctive black body, contrasting sharply with bright reddish-orange markings on its 'shoulders' (pronotum) and head. Its transparent wings reveal delicate black veins, and its legs are typically red, making it easy to identify from other dark-bodied insects.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyRhopalidaeGenusJadera
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby red-shouldered bugs are called nymphs and are almost entirely bright red!
If threatened, some can release a stinky scent to make predators think twice!
These bugs often gather in piles of hundreds, especially during colder weather!
They're sometimes called 'soapberry bugs' because they love soapberry tree seeds!
Special abilities
Ability
Seed-Piercer
Red-shouldered Bug can access hidden nutrients in seeds because of its needle-like mouthparts that helps them puncture tough exteriors.
Ability
Color Warning
Red-shouldered Bug has vibrant red and black colors that helps them warn predators they might taste bad or are toxic.
Ability
Social Gatherer
Red-shouldered Bug can form large groups with other bugs because of a natural instinct that helps them deter predators and find mates.
Ability
Flight Escape
Red-shouldered Bug can quickly escape danger using its transparent wings that helps them fly between food sources and avoid threats.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 10-14 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-180 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They mostly drink the juices from fallen seeds.
Primary Foods
- soapberry seeds
- golden rain tree seeds
- maple seeds
- fallen fruit
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Western Soapberry
Sapindus saponaria
Its primary food source of mature seeds.
shelters
Boxelder
Acer negundo
Often aggregates on these trees for safety and overwintering.
eaten by
Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis
A common lizard predator in its range.
eaten by
Carolina Chickadee
Parus carolinensis
A small bird that will opportunistically feed on insects.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These bugs are safe to observe, but it's best not to touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Red-shouldered Bug?
10-14 mm
How long does Red-shouldered Bug live?
60-180 days
What does Red-shouldered Bug eat?
They mostly drink the juices from fallen seeds.
Where is Red-shouldered Bug usually found?
Urban areas
How does Red-shouldered Bug hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Red-shouldered Bug have?
6
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