The Fire Bugs are back! And that is another sign of Spring! I noticed them as I took out the bike from the cellar a couple of days ago. They live in a tree trunk next to the house. It's one of my favorite insects. Their Latin name is Pyrrhocoris apterus. The bugs are quite small, between 8 and 30 millimetre. They feed on lime tree and mallow. They often move in big clusters, and mate in tandem formation for up to a week! You can see some more photo in the slideshow below.
I don't really have a favorite insect, but if their appearance means it's Spring, I'm all for them too:) The slide show was pretty cool.
ReplyDeletec'est une vraie invasion....
ReplyDeleteStrange. I think I've seen them before in our northern areas...remind me a little of what we call Ladybugs...
ReplyDeleteAny sign of spring is welcome. I'd be really bugged if there were no sign of spring!
They remind me of ladybugs too. They are also very mask-like in their appearance.
ReplyDeleteInteresting bugs. I wonder what this tandem thing has to do?
ReplyDeleteI guess we all have our signs that change is in the air. Interesting bugs.
ReplyDeleteDe är fantastiskt vackra. Och jag är förstås alldeles förundrad över att de har vaknat, nere hos dig. Känns väldigt avlägset här uppe.
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating. Our 'ladybugs' are also harbingers of spring; they have a similar coloration and similar behavior pattern but their shape is quite different.
ReplyDeleteLooks more like art work.
ReplyDeleteAll my childhood I was so afraid of them, these dangerous red creatures. Now, looking at the dresses they wear, I am sure they are Maya's descendants.
ReplyDeleteCreepy!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the fire bugs. In Denmark they are rare. Interesting photos.
ReplyDeleteIt seems they have an african mask on their back! Gorgeous bugs!
ReplyDelete