Red-shouldered bug or Eastern boxelder bug
Scientific Name: Jadera haematoloma or Boisea trivittata
Order & Family: Hemiptera, Lygaeidae
Size: Adults are typically around 10-14 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Found in fields, gardens, and areas where milkweed grows.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on the seeds and juices of milkweed and other plants.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are active during the day and can be found on vegetation, especially milkweed plants. They are known for their aposematic coloration, which is an adaptation to warn predators of their toxicity.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered harmless to humans, though they can be a nuisance in large numbers. They are not known to transmit diseases. Their role in the ecosystem includes being a food source for some birds and other predators.
Identified on: 7/2/2025