# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Red-shouldered Bug](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Red_Shouldered_Bug%252C_Ant%252C_Mum.jpg&width=800) Photo: Louis J Bradley, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Shouldered_Bug%252C_Ant%252C_Mum.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Rhopalidae - **Genus:** Jadera ## 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 - **Seed-Piercer:** Red-shouldered Bug can access hidden nutrients in seeds because of its needle-like mouthparts that helps them puncture tough exteriors. - **Color Warning:** Red-shouldered Bug has vibrant red and black colors that helps them warn predators they might taste bad or are toxic. - **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. - **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. - **Shelter:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/carolina-chickadee) (*Parus carolinensis*) — A small bird that will opportunistically feed on insects. ## 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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](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 These bugs are safe to observe, but it's best not to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Red-shouldered Bug? 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. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Broadmoor](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/broadmoor) — Louisiana, US · Neighborhood - [Cleveland Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cleveland-park) — District of Columbia, US · Neighborhood - [Lafayette Square Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lafayette-square-historic-district) — District of Columbia, US · Historic District - [St. Augustine Town Plan Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/st-augustine-town-plan-historic-district) — Florida, US · Historic District - [West Potomac Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/west-potomac-park) — District of Columbia, US · Park - [Woodley Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/woodley-park) — District of Columbia, US · Neighborhood [View all places to see Red-shouldered Bug](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/red-shouldered-bug) ## 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*) --- Source: [Red-shouldered Bug: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-shouldered-bug)