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March 30, 2021  |  By Matt Hamas

Red Driveway Bugs

Cotton Stainer Live

Cotton Stainer - IUCN Conservation Status: INSUFFICIENT DATA

Cotton stainers are about one centimeter long as adults

This bug is called a “cotton stainer”, but my friend Tyler and I called these “red driveway bugs”.  These wild colored bugs could be found daily in our yard and across our driveway.  At the time, I lived in Key Largo, Florida.  These cotton strainers can be found commonly throughout South Florida.  Their range extends through the southern US, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America.

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So, what makes these bugs unique?  These “red driveway bugs” lay eggs, similar to a hen.  The bugs lay individual eggs.  They are pale yellow in color, and they hatch in about a week.  Next the “red driveway bugs” live out their “nymph” life stage.  During this time, they go through multiple development stages, kind of like bug puberty.  Eventually they become mature adults, which is the phase shown in this photograph.  They will grow to about one centimeter long.

I am a big fan of these ornate bugs.  There are a few species, with small differences in color, pattern, and size.  As the name suggests, this bug does stain cotton plants.  These bugs feed on the developing cotton bolls.  As they crack the seeds of the cotton bolls, the liquid sap inside the seed leaks out and stains the cotton.  This “wound” is now a site that microorganisms and fungus can grow.  This can stunt the growth of the cotton plant.  As you can imagine, these bugs were not welcomed by cotton farmers in the south.  These bugs can also be a danger to orange trees, and some other fruiting plants.

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Did you know?  Cotton stainers will only live for a few months!

Cotton Stainers feed on developing cotton bolls

THIS MONTH'S GALLERY
backyard florida insect macro

Article by Matt Hamas

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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