Unusual bug

LottieB · #1 (**permalink**) 20-06-2010, 10:14 PM

Evening everyone, first post so please be gentle

I spotted these bugs in LeMans, France last week and was wondering if anybody could identify them.

There were hundreds of them all gathered on a rock, im guessing and it is only a guess that the plain and dotted are the difference between the males and females?

Any leads would be great as they were interesting looking things and I have had quite a few people asking about them.

Gerel · #2 (**permalink**) 20-06-2010, 10:35 PM

Hi LottieB,

Welcome to WAB.

I'm fairly sure that these are Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris apterus) and I was on the point of getting quite excited as they are very rare in Britain and then I realised that you found them in France.

I am making some assumptions here and may be corrected by more knowledgeable people soon, but I think that the spotted ones are adults (with developed wings) whilst the others are immature larvae or nymphs. Spectacular photos though.

Regards

Steve

LottieB · #3 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerel

Hi LottieB,

Welcome to WAB.

I'm fairly sure that these are Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris apterus) and I was on the point of getting quite excited as they are very rare in Britain and then I realised that you found them in France.

I am making some assumptions here and may be corrected by more knowledgeable people soon, but I think that the spotted ones are adults (with developed wings) whilst the others are immature larvae or nymphs. Spectacular photos though.

Regards

Steve

Thanks Steve, much appreciated. Sorry for getting you excited