cat daddy wrote:
"John McGaw" wrote in message
...
cat daddy wrote:
"joann" wrote in message
. net...
pic posted on a.b.p.g. labeled red bugs

I appreciate your help identifying these little critters
They're still box elder bugs, as identified in your previous thread.


http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/diagl...-bug-nymph.jpg

I have to agree with you. I never took in to consideration that the
"big" bugs might be nymphs also rather than adult forms but your matchup
looks to be absolutely perfect.

Now I'm not so sure, after seeing Lar's photos. I had box elders for the
first time this Spring, so that's what I'm familiar with.
Maybe just call 'em a buncha red bugs and let it go at that.......



I have to admit that the nymphs look nothing like the adults with the
exception of being more-or-less red and black but the pattern on the
larger nymphs looks to be an exact match. Given that the box elder bugs
are common in North America unless the OP comes up with information that
the photo was taken in Borneo or someplace similarly exotic I think you
nailed it perfectly. The important thing is that, as insects go, these
are probably pretty much harmless even if they aren't box elder bugs.
The worst I can find that is vaguely similar are only a serious pest on
cotton crops.

--
John McGaw
[Knoxville, TN, USA]
http://johnmcgaw.com