Insect · GBIF taxon 2050227
Red-shouldered Bug
Jadera haematolomaAlso known as Goldenrain-tree Bug, Soapberry Bug
Red-shouldered bugs gather in conspicuous communal aggregations on sunny tree trunks, walls, and ground litter near their host plants. Nymphs display vibrant red abdomens before developing charcoal wings trimmed with vivid reddish-orange shoulder margins and bright red eyes. Evolutionary biologists famously study them as an example of rapid contemporary evolution, as their beak lengths shifted within decades to exploit introduced ornamental goldenrain trees.
HerbivorousGregariousTrue Bug
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Goldenrain Tree Seeds
- Balloon Vine Seeds
- Western Soapberry Seeds
Predators
- Spiders
- Insectivorous Birds
- Assassin Bugs
ThreatsInsecticide spraying in landscaped areas and host tree removal
HabitatsUrban landscapes, parks, woodlands, and subtropical forest edges
Life span2–4 months as adults; up to 1 year overall
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderHemiptera
- FamilyRhopalidae
- GenusJadera
- SpeciesJadera haematoloma
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Inspect Host Trees: Check the ground and trunks around goldenrain trees in late summer to find large feeding clusters.
- Do Not Crush: Avoid swatting them indoors, as their defensive secretions can leave behind an unpleasant odor and red stains.
Look-alike (c) Susan Blayney, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Susan Blayney · cc-by
Look-alike (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · cc-by
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by 余世文 · cc0
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by Stephen James McWilliam · cc0
Predator (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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