Saturday, April 25, 2015

Hibiscus Harlequin Beetle Highfields

Hibiscus Harlequin Beetle photographed by Gary Alcorn at Charles and Motee RogersReserve Highfields. Gary observed the beetle resting on a young brachychiton tree on 18th April 2015.

The Hibiscus Harlequin Beetle (Tectocoris diophthalmus) , also known as Cotton Harlequin Bug, predominately live and feed on native hibiscus trees and also on bottle trees.  They are known to also have a taste for cultivated cotton.  The orange one shown is an adult. They can also be red and the juveniles are vibrant blues and greens and reds.

Hibiscus Harlequin Beetle (Tectocoris diophthalmus)