5 thoughts on “Hibiscus Harlequin Bug – Photograph by Laura Lecce”
In Australia we have a hibiscus harlequin bug (Tectocoris diopthalamus) which is also brightly colored, but a dreaded pest to the hibiscus plant. It will pierce through the stem of tender shoots and flower buds to feed on the sap, causing the buds to drop off. These bugs also feed on cotton, a few Australian natives and some fruit trees. Once a female lays her eggs she will stand guard and protect them. In Australia we call them stink bugs because when they get disturbed, they release a very bad smell which triggers mass smell production from nearby friends.
Thanks Alan, I hope you do too! You would have plenty of things to photograph. As a fellow nature admirer and photographer, I very much look forward to exploring your blog more!
Laura Lecce's art and photography 
In Australia we have a hibiscus harlequin bug (Tectocoris diopthalamus) which is also brightly colored, but a dreaded pest to the hibiscus plant. It will pierce through the stem of tender shoots and flower buds to feed on the sap, causing the buds to drop off. These bugs also feed on cotton, a few Australian natives and some fruit trees. Once a female lays her eggs she will stand guard and protect them. In Australia we call them stink bugs because when they get disturbed, they release a very bad smell which triggers mass smell production from nearby friends.
LikeLike
What amazing texture!
LikeLike
Wonderful color and texture. I hope to make it to Australia some day.
LikeLike
Thanks Alan, I hope you do too! You would have plenty of things to photograph. As a fellow nature admirer and photographer, I very much look forward to exploring your blog more!
LikeLike
Likewise!
LikeLike