Post #4320075

Hibiscus Harlequin Bug (Tectocoris diophthalmus) or Cotton Harlequin Bug, is a sap-sucking insect native to Australia and the Pacific Islands. They are a true bug but behave like beetles, Their thorax features an enlarged plate (the scutellum) that stretches completely over their abdomen, concealing their wings while at rest. The males and females of this species show extreme gender color differences. When threatened, they use special scent glands to emit a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators. Bizarrely, if one bug releases its odor, the chemical signal can trigger surrounding bugs to do the same. Picture: Inaturalist, kerrileeharris #weird #bugs #nature