Your garden may be overrun with red and black insects, and they may also make their way inside. Knowing how to get rid of and if a bug is dangerous can be helped by identifying them with a red and black body. Boxelder bugs and red-shouldered bugs are the most frequent red and black insects found in gardens and homes in the spring. Even if they are usually harmless, the bothersome insects might become a bother in your home.
It’s possible to feel terrified by looking at red and black insects. Because of the warning red colors on the oval insect’s black body, for example, it might appear dangerous. Or, red insects with black stripes may appear threatening. The boxelder bug, for example, can also cause an irritating bite.
Bugs are a term that is used to describe many different kinds of red and black pests. Bugs in the scientific sense aren’t the only colorful insects you have in your house or garden. The order Hemiptera includes the term “bug.” The red and black insects have six legs and use their piercing mouthparts to bite into plant tissue and suck the juices out.
Even though some of the insects or arthropods mentioned in this article are not truly bugs, they are referred to as such in this context. The creeping crawly you’ve discovered in your house or yard can be identified by descriptions and pictures of black bugs with red markings.
How to Identify Red and Black Bugs and Insects
A bug or insect’s six legs, two antennae, and whether it has wings or not are all visible characteristics that may be used to identify it. Observing the insect’s size, behavior, habitat, and distinguishing markings can also help you identify red and black bugs. To identify certain black and red bugs correctly, you’ll need a magnifying glass.
Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) and red-shouldered bugs (Jadera haematoloma) are two species of flying red and black insects that seem similar. Boxelders, on the other hand, have deeper red stripes on their black skin. Nonetheless, red and black beetles with rounded hard shells and wings are easy to differentiate from both types of bugs.
Types of Red and Black Bugs (with Pictures) – Identification Guide
Let’s investigate 15 sorts of frequent bugs that have the red and black hues, which may be recognized.
Boxelder Bug (Boisea trivittata)
The boxelder bug has a flattened, extended oval body with reddish or orange lines or patterns. It has a flat black body with orange-red patterns on it. 0.5 inch (13 mm) long, the adult winged boxelder bug Maples, boxelder trees, ash trees, and strawberries are all hosts for Boxelder Bugs who are active from spring to fall.
Black and orange boxelder bugs have six legs and two antennae, like other insects. Females of this species lay crimson eggs on their host plants. The bright red bodies and black heads of boxelder nymphs differentiate them. The insects turn dark gray as they grow, with black stripes appearing on them.
Around a food source nearby, you may get a lot of boxelder bugs in your home. Throughout the summer, these little pests sneak into houses via openings in the siding or foundation, or via windows and doors. When cracks clamber to get into a house, you may see masses of black and red bugs.
These red and black-winged flying boxelder bugs are attracted to nearby infested boxelder trees and may fly in from there. Boxelder bugs can bite people, although it’s uncommon. They’re more of a home annoyance pest, particularly when there’s a significant infestation. When it’s chilly, the insects are dormant, so turning on the heat may cause them to become active and crawl around your home.
Preventing boxelder bugs from entering your home is the best way to get rid of them. Window and door screens, for example, may keep the crimson and black insects out of your house. Caulking around windows and walls will also help to keep the insects out.
When crushed, boxelder bugs give off a pungent, foul-smelling odor, despite the fact that they are classified as “scentless plant bugs.” You may spray insecticidal soap or boiling soapy water on clusters of red and black beetles on the exterior of your home to dislodge and exterminate them.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The dark gray or black body, with orange-red patterns on its wings and back, distinguishes the boxelder bug.
Red-Shouldered Bug (Jadera haematoloma)
The red-shouldered bug is a black insect with bright red markings on its shoulders and wing margins. It is also known as the soapberry bug. The bug’s vivid red eyes are also visible when it is grayish-black. The bugs have flattened oval bodies and are roughly 0.5 inch (13 mm) long.
The body of red-shouldered bug nymphs is bright red, and the head is black. They have black heads, dark brown or black legs, and antennae, like boxelder nymphs do.
In Florida gardens, red-shouldered bug adults and nymphs may be seen. The host trees feeding on leaves and stems are occupied by the short-winged black and red bugs. In lawns, where they congregate in huge numbers to eat seeds deposited by trees, you may also see insects.
Red-shouldered bugs are classified as scentless plant bugs and resemble boxelder bugs. The red markings are used to differentiate between the insects. With only red shoulders and a thin red stripe down each margin, Jadera haematoloma is mostly a dark gray or black color. Red-shoulder bug stains on clothes can be permanent.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The elongated oval body with vivid red colors on the shoulders and body edges of a red-shouldered bug may be used to identify it.
Milkweed Assassin Bug (Zelus longipes)
The bright red body with black patterns, six long black legs, and pair of black wings distinguish the milkweed assassin bug from other insects. Moreover, a milkweed assassin bug has a long sucking mouthpart and a slender body with an extended oval abdomen. These red and black insects have white markings on their underside of the abdomen, which can be seen up close.
Milkweed assassin bugs are around 0.5 inches (20 mm) long and resemble milkweed nymphs. Caterpillars, flies, mosquitoes, and destructive beetles are all prey for the red and black bugs. Although the slender bugs are not aggressive, if you catch them, they can give you a painful bite.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The milkweed assassin bug has a slender body with jet black hairy legs, two long black antennae, and a long piercing snout-like mouthpiece. Its bright-red and black pattern is easily identifiable.
Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus)
The firebug is a tiny red bug with black round dots and triangular marks on its back that can be easily recognized. Due to its distinctive red and black coloration, the striking bug is easy to identify in gardens. The little red and black bug feeds on lime and mallow trees, measuring 0.4″ (10 mm) in length.
Because they neither bite people nor harm trees, red and black firebugs are not harmful. Hordes of creeping crawlies in the home, on the other hand, can be a bother. In the fall, red firebugs invade houses and overwinter in milder climates. Red firebugs produce a horrible odor when crushed, which may attract additional insects. In addition, red can stains apparel and carpets. Vacuuming them is usually the simplest way to get rid of them if you find them in your house.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The firebug has two large black dots and two small black triangles on its back, making it easy to see. The bug’s legs are crimson, and its antennae are crimson as well.
Mediterranean Red Bug (Scantius aegyptius)
The firebug and the Mediterranean red bug both belong to the Pyrrhocoridae family, however the firebug has two additional little black dots in addition. It’s tough to tell the difference between this seed-eating crimson bug and a firebug. The reddish-orange color on the back of the Mediterranean red bug contrasts with two black spots and a black triangular hourglass pattern.
The invasive black and red bug is common in California, measuring 0.27 to 0.35 inch (7 to 9 mm). As they grow up, the immature bugs become completely red and develop black markings.
Red and Black Bug Identification
On a red-orange elongated oval body, two black spots and a huge black hourglass pattern may be used to identify the Mediterranean red bug.
Red and Black Blister Beetle (Meloidae)
Some blister beetles have black heads and crimson bodies with crimson round markings on their heads. Red and black blister beetle (Mylabris quadripunctata) is one of them. A slender, brilliant red body with two rows of black dots and markings at the rear, for example, the Mylabris quadripunctata beetle. Furthermore, a small round black thorax and a tiny black head distinguish the red beetle from other beetles.
The average length of a red and black blister beetle is 0.4 to 0.8 inches (10 to 20 mm). They may eat flowers and leaves as well, causing damage by feeding on insects and insect eggs.
The poisonous liquid contained in blister beetles’ bodies gives them their name. If you squash one of them and the secretion gets on your skin, this can cause skin irritation and blistering.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The bodies of red and black blister beetles are crimson, with six black legs and two clubbed antennae.
Desert Blister Beetle (Lytta magister)
The black bug has a red head, black and red legs, and filiform antennae. It has a reddish-orange head and a long body. In California and the southwestern United States, the huge black and red bug can grow up to 1.3″ (33 mm) in length. Beetles of considerable size may also bite.
In deserts, the redheaded black blister beetle feeds mostly on brittlebush flowers and is frequently found. The black and redheaded desert beetles, like all blister beetles, emit a yellowish, odorous liquid that can form a painful skin blister.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The desert blister beetle is distinguished by its dark black body, polished bright red head, crimson legs, and two filiform antennae.
Cocklebur Weevil (Rhodobaenus quinquepunctatus)
The cocklebur weevil is a tiny red and black bug with a visible black rounded snout, like all weevils. It has a little black head with a long snout. The thorax and head of the red cocklebur weevil are orange-red, while the body is black.
The back of the creature is identifiable by black specks, which contrast with its crimson-orange colour. Cocklebur weevils range in size from 0.25 to 0.5 inch (6 to 13 mm) long and are red or black in color. Cocklebur, ragweed, or thistle leaves are commonly eaten by the insects.
The name five-spotted billbug refers to this species of red weevil, Rhodobaenus quinquepunctatus. Some red and black weevils have more or fewer black dots on their red bodies, depending on the species.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The dark orange to red body of the cocklebur weevil, together with its black markings, black legs, long black snout, and two geniculate antennae that appear to have joints, make it easy to spot.
Bee Assassin Bug (Apiomerus crassipes)
The bee assassin bug is a black bug with red stripes along the sides of its body that flies. The body of these black-colored insects is triangular, with six black legs and two small, wiry antennae. Bee hunters are flying insects that chase bees and wasps from plant to plant.
The length of adult bee assassin bugs is between 0.55 and 0.78 inch (14 to 20 mm). From mid-spring until late autumn, black and red bugs are abundant across North America. Bee assassin bugs are frequently found on pine trees.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The flattened body, black with reddish or orange borders, thick hairy legs, and thin antennae distinguish the bee assassin bug.
Italian Striped Bug (Graphosoma italicum)
The little black bug with orange-reddish stripes and a shield-shaped body bears alternating black and orange or red stripes. This tiny red and black striped bug features six black legs and thin, pointed antennae, and is also known as the minstrel bug or harlequin bug. The bug is 0.31 to 0.47 inches (8 to 12 mm) long and rounded on the edges.
When you find one in your garden, there’s no mistake about it: it’s an Italian red and black striped bug. Plants in the Apiaceae family, including parsley, carrot, celery, hemlock, and hogweed, are known to have the bug feeding beneath their umbrella-like flowers. Harlequin bug adults feature black and red stripes that serve as a deterrent to predators.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The red Italian striped bug has lengthy black stripes that run lengthwise down its rounded, shield-shaped body, making it simple to distinguish.
Two-Spotted Stink Bug (Cosmopepla conspicillaris)
The two-spotted stink bug features a black bug with orange-red stripes near its head and thin orange streaks down each side. It has a black shield body. This gorgeous black bug has yellow stripes on the bottom and is coated with a layer of shine. A little bug that measures about 0.3″ (8 mm) long, the attractive black bug with orange markings is a popular bug.
The two-spotted stink bug’s distinctive red or orange speckled patterning is known as a common name. The happy bespectacled stink bug, for example, is known as the black bug. The red or yellow semi-circle resembles a grin on its back, and this is referred to as the red and black spectacle-like markings.
Red and Black Bug Identification
The orange-red band that runs across the head of the two-spotted stink bug resembles a pair of colorful glasses. Slim antennae, yellow stripes on the stink bug’s belly, and a U-shaped glossy stripe on its back are among other distinguishing characteristics.
Red and Black Ladybugs (Coccinellidae)
Ladybugs have rounded red wing coverings with black spots, and they are common in Europe and were successfully introduced to the United States. Ladybugs range in length from 0.04 to 0.4 inch (1 to 10 mm). In the autumn, the red bugs, which have wings, can swarm inside buildings. Yellow and black ladybugs exist in certain varieties.
Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
In many countries, the Asian lady beetle has become a pest in the ladybug family. Depending on the species, the flying bugs may be red with black dots or black with red spots. Adults of this tiny red and black beetle range from 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm). Native ladybugs bite and may cause allergic skin responses, but Asian lady beetles seem to be similar.
Black Clock Beetle (Pterostichus madidus)
The black clock beetle has red legs with spiky spines and a black ridged body. The black beetle’s black and red legs are spined, and its gleaming metallic abdomen is ridged up close. The black clock beetle lives in gardens and measures 0.55 to 0.78 inch (14 to 20 mm) long.
Scarlet Lily Leaf Beetle (Lilioceris lilii)
The scarlet lily leaf beetle is also called red lily beetle, or lily leaf beetle and is shiny red with black legs and antennae
The scarlet lily beetle is a bright red leaf beetle with black head, legs and antennae that eats the leaves, stems and flowers of lilies and other plants from the family Liliaceae. Adult lily beetle measures about ¼–⅜ inch (6 to 9 mm) in length.