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Pyrrhocoris apterus

Firebug

Description

In spring, the colonies of firebugs, which overwintered under the bark, or in other places, bask on walls, rocks and tree trunks, especially on lime trees. The colonies cannot be overlooked due to their red color. They have only short atrophied elytra with a noticeable red pattern, slightly different in every individual. They like to feed on juices flowing out of tree wounds and on young, especially lime, sprouts. They are common in parks, gardens and alleys. 

Symptom

Red bugs sitting on a tree trunk. Abundant in parks, gardens and tree lines.

Tree Species: Lime

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Seasonal frequency of occurrence

Seasonal frequency of occurrence