Bug Identifier
Jewel stink bug (likely harlequin bug)
Community identification

Jewel stink bug (likely harlequin bug)

Poecilocoris lewisi (tentative)

Order & Family
Hemiptera; Scutelleridae
Size
About 18–25 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Vegetation in warm forests, woodland edges, gardens, and agricultural areas; the image’s location cannot be geographically constrained because no place name or coordinates were supplied.

Diet & Feeding

Adults and nymphs suck plant sap, especially from trees and shrubs, using piercing-sucking mouthparts; some related jewel bugs feed on fruits or seeds.

Behavior Patterns

Usually solitary or clustered on foliage; adults are strongly colored, can fly, and often overwinter in sheltered sites. Activity in August is plausible in warm-temperate regions, but exact range depends on location.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to people, though handling may release a defensive odor and heavy populations can damage plants. It may occasionally be an agricultural or ornamental-plant pest.