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''Scantius aegyptius'', the Mediterranean red bug, is a species of red bug in the family 
Considered an invasive species in North America, it was first recorded in California in 2009. As of 2018, it could be found in most Southern California counties, as well as some in Central California.
Pyrrhocoridae
Pyrrhocoridae is a family of insects with more than 300 species world-wide. Many are red coloured and are known as red bugs and some species are called cotton stainers because their feeding activities leave an indelible yellow-brownish stain on c ...
, that is a pest of plant species in the family Malvaceae.
These ground-dwelling bugs feed on seeds and seed pods. They are known for their black and red coloration that employs aposematism
Aposematism is the advertising by an animal to potential predators that it is not worth attacking or eating. This unprofitability may consist of any defences which make the prey difficult to kill and eat, such as toxicity, venom, foul taste or ...
to deter predators. Their head, antennae and legs are black, and their red back has two round black spots. Nymphs may be completely red, and develop increasing dark spots as they moult. Adults typically measure 7 - 9 mm in length.
Considered an invasive species in North America, it was first recorded in California in 2009. As of 2018, it could be found in most Southern California counties, as well as some in Central California.
See also
* ''Pyrrhocoris apterus
The firebug, ''Pyrrhocoris apterus'', is a common insect of the family Pyrrhocoridae. Easily recognizable due to its striking red and black coloration, it may be confused with the similarly coloured though unrelated ''Corizus hyoscyami'' (cinna ...
''
* '' Corizus hyoscyami''
References
Further reading
* *External links
* Pyrrhocoridae Insects described in 1758 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus {{pentatomomorpha-stub