Dysdercus sidae (Pale Cotton Stainer) mating pair
These bugs were on an Abutilon grandifolium at Carwoola Street, Bardon, Ithaca Creek, when they transferred to the photographer's hat. They have a red and black head, white collar, red eyes and pink to orange body, with a small black dot on each forewing. Pale cotton stainer usually feeds on native plants and weeds, sometimes on cultivated plants and fruit trees. It can be a minor pest of cotton, staining the lint and damaging the seed, and is known to damage ripening peaches.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Dysdercus sidae (Pale Cotton Stainer) mating pair
Photo: Robert Whyte