The Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) is an easily recognizable insect in the Pyrrhocoridae family for its red and black coloration. The species is found throughout the Palaearctic from the Atlantic coast of Europe to northwest China. There have also been sightings in the United States, Central America, and India. They have been recently expanding northwards into mainland UK and on to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. They are found in groups near the base of lime tree trunks, and their diets are mostly seeds from lime trees and mallows. Firebugs may be confused with the unrelated Cinnamon Bug for its similar coloration.
The Firebug has an overall body length between .26”-.47” (6.5-12 mm), body width of .11”-.21” (2.7-5.3 mm), and body height of .06”-.12” (1.6-3 mm). The typical lifespan of the Firebug is between 1-2 years.
The Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) is an easily recognizable insect in the Pyrrhocoridae family for its red and black coloration. The species is found throughout the Palaearctic from the Atlantic coast of Europe to northwest China. There have also been sightings in the United States, Central America, and India. They have been recently expanding northwards into mainland UK and on to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. They are found in groups near the base of lime tree trunks, and their diets are mostly seeds from lime trees and mallows. Firebugs may be confused with the unrelated Cinnamon Bug for its similar coloration.
The Firebug has an overall body length between .26”-.47” (6.5-12 mm), body width of .11”-.21” (2.7-5.3 mm), and body height of .06”-.12” (1.6-3 mm). The typical lifespan of the Firebug is between 1-2 years.