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Pod-Sucking Bug

Riptortus serripes

Photo by RachaelB
Published on Project Noah
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-37.7723, 145.037

Field Notes

Description:

About 10mm long, red/brown in colour with 6 black dots on abdomen. Similar shape and mouth piece as an assassin bug.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
RachaelB
Looks good to me, thanks guys.
MartinL
Yes, more than six spots. Silly me. I think there will be some differences between species and between instars too. My late instar nymph (image three http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8934386 ) has dots too but it is dark.
Mark Ridgway
That seems fairly close Martin. (8 or 10 spots?)
MartinL
I think you have a pod sucking bug. I think it is the family Alydidae. Check the final instar (sharing six abdominal dots) of this species. http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_coreidbugs/PodSucking.htm I have seen similar ones, both adults and nymphs associated with Acacia seed pods. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8934386 http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/9166388
Mark Ridgway
I think you're on the right track Rachael. Maybe 'damsel bug' nymph? It's a very good brown ant mimic.
Photographed
PublishedApril 13, 2013

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