A Guide to Common Black and Red Bugs in the United States

Black and red bugs are some of the most visually striking insects found across the United States. Their colorful patterns serve as a warning to predators that they may be toxic or unpalatable These bugs occupy a diverse array of habitats from forests to deserts, with some being native species while others are introduced This article provides an overview of 29 common black and red bug species, including identification tips, feeding habits, and regions where they can be found.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are perhaps the most familiar black and red bugs. There are several species common in the US:

• Asian Lady Beetle – This introduced species has a dome-shaped body with black spots on red wing covers. It was imported to control crop pests but is now widespread across North America.

• Seven-spotted Lady Beetle – Native to Europe, this larger ladybug has seven black spots. It’s a voracious aphid predator.

• Convergent Lady Beetle – A native species with black dots on red wing covers. It’s one of the most abundant ladybugs and an important biocontrol agent.

• Spotted Pink Ladybeetle – Native to North America, this ladybug has a pinkish-red body with six black spots on each wing cover. It feeds on aphids in fields.

Ladybugs are beneficial predators that help control pest populations, especially aphids and other soft-bodied insects.

Boxelder Bugs

This true bug gets its name from aggregating on boxelder trees. Species include:

• Eastern Boxelder Bug – Most widespread species with black bodies and red-orange stripes on the abdomen. Feeds on boxelder, maple, and ash trees.

• Western Boxelder Bug – Found west of the Rocky Mountains. Has black and gray stripes outlined in red.

Boxelder bugs don’t bite but can be a nuisance when they invade homes and stain fabrics with their droppings. They don’t cause major damage to trees.

Milkweed Bugs

Several black and red species target milkweed plants:

• Large Milkweed Bug – Red patches on black with a 12mm elongated body. Feeds on milkweed seeds and foliage.

• Small Milkweed Bug – Grows to 5mm long with black and red-orange markings. Feeds on milkweed and dogbane.

• Red Milkweed Beetle – Herbivorous beetle with red and black coloration. Drinks sap from milkweed plants.

Milkweed bugs use milkweed toxins in their bodies to repel predators. The bugs don’t cause substantial damage to their host plants.

Seed Bugs

Some black and red bugs feed on seeds, like:

• Charcoal Seed Bug – Found out West with red stripes and gray wings. Feeds on cocklebur seeds and ragweed.

• White-crossed Seed Bug – Native species with black, red, and white markings. Eats seeds of sunflowers and asters.

Most seed bugs don’t cause major agricultural damage, although some may occasionally affect crops like oats and mint.

Assassin Bugs

These predatory insects deliver a painful bite while feeding on other bugs:

• Milkweed Assassin Bug – Attacks caterpillars that eat corn crops. Has black wings with red lines along its abdomen.

• Masked Hunter – Generalist predator with black and red bands on its back. Will bite humans if handled.

Assassin bugs help control pest populations, although some bite humans. Their powerful beaks can inflict painful stings.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs release foul odors when disturbed:

• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug – An invasive pest from Asia that damages many crops. Has alternating black and white bands on a brown shield.

• Harlequin Bug – Decorated like its name with black, red, and yellow. It’s a cabbage pest.

• Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug – True to its name with two red dots. Feeds on plants like milk thistle.

Stink bugs are generally plant pests, especially of crops like fruit trees, vegetables, and cereals. The brown marmorated stink bug is among the worst invasive pests.

Wasps

Wasps have black and yellow or red banding:

• Paper Wasp – Common social wasps with yellow and reddish-black markings. Build nests under eaves.

• Velvet Ant – Females are wingless with dense black, red, and yellow hair. They deliver an extremely painful sting.

• Mud Dauber – Solitary wasps that build mud nest tubes on structures. Have black and yellow stripes or black with a red tail.

Only females can sting, delivering a painful welt. Wasps play beneficial pest control roles as predators and pollinators.

Beetles

Many types of black and red beetles are found across the country:

• Blister Beetle – Can ooze toxic liquid that blisters skin. Often have stripes on black wing covers.

• Ladybug – As described above, ladybugs are common beneficial beetles. Most are red or orange with black spots.

• Longhorn Beetle – Many strikingly patterned longhorn beetles have black bodies with red stripes. Often seen on flowers.

• Soldier Beetle – Feeds on aphids, caterpillars, and other pests. Has a black and red striped abdomen.

Beetles occupy diverse habitats from gardens to forests. Most are harmless, while some like blister beetles can deliver toxic bites. Ladybugs are revered for controlling pests.

True Bugs

From stink bugs to assassin bugs, the order Hemiptera contains many black and red true bugs:

• Boxelder Bug – See above. This nuisance pest overwinters in homes.

• Lygus Bug – Feeds on fruit buds and other crops. Fast moving bugs with black wings and red markings.

• Water Strider – Skates along the water surface with black bodies and red legs.

True bugs have piercing, sucking mouthparts. While many are agricultural pests, others are valued predators of insect and mite pests.

Flies

There are several flies with black and red coloration:

• Soldier Fly – Mimics wasp bands but is harmless. Has a black abdomen and red head/thorax. Attracted to flowers.

• Hoverfly – Many species mimic bees or wasps but don’t sting. Frequently have black and yellow abdomens.

• Robber Fly – Fierce predators that consume other insects. Often have a black body with red legs/wings.

Flies are extremely diverse. Some are important pollinators, while others like robber flies help control pest populations.

Caterpillars

The larvae of moths and butterflies include vividly striped species:

• Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar – The black and yellow striped larvae munch on ragweed. The moths pollinate flowers.

• Io Moth Caterpillar – Stinging hairs don’t diminish the beauty of this green, white, and black caterpillar.

• Milkweed Tussock Moth – The larvae have dense black and white hairs with red heads. They feed on milkweed.

Many caterpillars warned predators to stay away with their bright colors. The adults pollinate flowers and some larvae control weeds.

Habitats

Black and red bugs occupy diverse habitats across the United States. Here are some of the more common:

• Gardens – Milkweed assassin bugs, ladybugs, soldier beetles

• Croplands – Ladybugs, stink bugs, Lygus bugs

• Woodlands – Milkweed bugs, longhorn beetles, paper wasps

• Wetlands – Water striders, water scorpions, backswimmers

• Deserts – Velvet ants, wheel bugs, cobweb spiders

• Buildings – Multicolored Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs

This variety highlights the importance of black and red bugs in ecosystems across the country. Most fill valuable niches, whether as pollinators, predators, or decomposers.