Cotton Stainer

Dysdercus nigrofasciatus ?

a Cotton Stainer, Dysdercus nigrofasciatus, from Kenya. Photo © by Michael Plagens

This smart-looking bug was found in Kitale, Kenya. April 2013. Length is about 12 mm

From Wikipedia: Pyrrhocoridae is a family of insects with more than 300 species world-wide. A common species in parts of Europe is the firebug. They are part of the order Hemiptera which are also known as the 'true bugs'. A few are important crop pests. They are called cotton stainers because their red bodies get crushed along with the cotton they eat when it is harvested, and these stains are difficult to remove. Their feeding mechanism also cuts the fibres and hence affects the growth of the cotton ball.

Pyrrhocoridae -- Plant Bug Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 5 September 2013.