Red beetle- juvenile, I think- picture shot in San Benito, TX--deep South Texas- on a Turk's Cap plant--found in early morning-- - Dysdercus concinnus

Moved

Moved from Red Bugs.

… Mike Quinn, 13 January, 2009 - 11:46am

Moved

… john and jane balaban, 25 July, 2008 - 10:24am

Probably very tough to ID.

It is a juvenile, and something like 90% of them haven't been IDed to the adults. Bummer, huh? It is definitely a true bug - note X on back, formed by what will eventually become wings. (A beetle typically has a straight line down the back.)

Nice shot, as you've heard before. Good luck on this one!

… Ron Hemberger, 29 June, 2008 - 10:58pm

Red Bug

How cool! I didn't know that- about the X-- that will help a lot in the future. Husband took the photo (he's awesome photographer)--and we need to id it for classification in contest & if we place it in wrong class it won't be judged. So, now we know to put in "other invertebrate" not "beetle" class. Great help. Really appreciate everyone's help!
Thanks,
Thea

… texasthea, 30 June, 2008 - 7:53am

Not a beetle.

Looks like one of the true bugs to me. A plant bug of some type. You can check through them (Miridae) to try and find a match while you wait for one of our experts to comment. And you are right. The underdeveloped wings indicate this is an immature specimen. Beautiful colors. Nice shot.

… Jon M. Yuschock, 29 June, 2008 - 6:31pm

Red Bug

Thanks for the info--at least now I can be pretty sure it's not a beetle. Thanks for the nice comment on the photo and writing me back. I'll check through the True Bugs.
Thea

… texasthea, 29 June, 2008 - 8:24pm

What do you think of

one of the stainers in Dysdercus, in the guide here?

… john and jane balaban, 29 June, 2008 - 6:41pm

Red Bug

Thanks for the suggestion-- have gone through the guide and don't think it is one of these-- still looking at my Smithsonian handbook, though. I really appreciate the direction to look in, though.
Thea

… texasthea, 29 June, 2008 - 8:27pm