Red Shield Bug

Carpocoris mediterraneus

Their bright red and black striped pattern is a form of aposematism, warning birds and other predators of their highly unpalatable chemical defense.

Scientific name: Carpocoris mediterraneus
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hemiptera › Pentatomidae › Carpocoris
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Warm meadows, shrublands, roadsides, and agricultural field margins.
Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on plant sap from various families, particularly Apiaceae (umbellifers) and Asteraceae.
Range: Southern Europe, Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, Middle East
Size: 11 to 13 mm in length
Lifespan: About 1 year
Active: diurnal
Threats: Pesticide application and intensive agricultural practices that eliminate wild flowering plants.
Safe to approach?: Harmless. You can safely observe this insect up close. If handled roughly, it may secrete a pungent, foul-smelling fluid from its scent glands as a defense. If contact occurs, wash skin with soap and water to remove the odor.

Carpocoris mediterraneus , the Red shield bug , is a species of shield bug in the Pentatomidae family....

Photo: Joey Bom, CC-BY, via iNaturalist