Hibiscus, or Cotton Harlequin Bugs

Hibiscus or Cotton Harlequin Bugs - Tectocoris diophthalmus The Cotton Harlequin Bug, Tectocoris diophthalmus (Hemiptera - Scutelleridae), is a large, brightly colored member of the Australian jewel bug fauna. The bug features iridescent blue patches on a bright orange background, and adults have an enlarged scutellum covering their entire dorsal surface. Males and females are different colors, with the females mostly orange and the males mostly blue-red. The Cotton Harlequin Bug feeds on many species belonging to the hibiscus plant family (Malvaceae), including ornamental hibiscus species and cotton. It feeds mostly on young shoots, piercing the stems and sucking the sugar-rich juices intended for shoot growth.