Golden Raintree Bug

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Pest Identification & Damage
Common Name(s): Golden Raintree Bug (=Red-shouldered Bug)

Scientific Name: Jadera haematoloma (Herrich-Schaeffer) Family Rhopalidae: Hemiptera.

Identifying Characteristics for Damaging Stage(s): It is often found on its hosts, including Golden Rain Tree, Rose of Sharon, Chinaberry and others. This insect as an adult resembles a boxelder bug and is 9.5 - 13.5 mm long, black/brownish in color and 3-4 mm wide. It has red "shoulder" stripes on the thorax and red eyes.

Damage/Nature and Symptoms: This insect feeds on the leaves, stems and developing seeds of the Golden Rain Tree. It is not serious, but sheer numbers sometimes make this insect a creature of concern. Thousands of bugs may congregate in the sun near trees, sometimes around homes, along with boxelder bugs which they strongly resemble

Distribution and Life Cycle

Distribution: Widely distributed in North America, it has been reported (University of Florida) "...from some of the southeastern states west to Texas and California, several central states, and from Mexico, the West Indies, southward to Central America and Colombia, also Hawaii."

Summary of Life Cycle: The insect has gradual metamorphosis and overwinters in the adult stage. During cold weather, it can be found under debris and occasionally in residential houses. It becomes active when the weather warms and deposits eggs on objects near the host plants. Eggs hatch in 14 days and nymphs move onto hosts. Adults appear in July to lay eggs for the second generation, which overwinters.

Management Methods:

Inspection/Survey Methods: Examine leaves, stems and developing seed pods of Golden Rain Tree for the presence of the insects.

Non-Chemical Management Strategies: The insects can be picked up from the ground or indoors with a good vacuum cleaner. Left to themselves the bugs probably won't hurt a thing, but they may become a nuisance pest in homes where they may cause some spotting on walls. For just a few insects that have found their way into the home, a fly swatter, rolled-up newspaper or a short burst of pyrethrin aerosol should take care of the problem. Boxelder is listed as an alternative host, so avoid planting these - it's a good idea anyway to avoid the more pestiferous boxelder bug.

Chemical Management Strategies: Only rarely would this insect require chemical control. If they become very abundant outside the home and some are entering, then consider a direct application.

For the latest information on available chemical controls, consult the Pesticide Selection Guide.

References:

Davidson, R. H. and W. F. Lyon., 1987. Insect Pests of Farm, Garden and Orchard. Eighth Edition, New York NY, John Wiley and Sons. 640 pp.

Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida. Common name: scentless plant bug. http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/jadera_bugs.html

Metcalf, C. L., et al (1962). Destructive and Useful Insects (4th edition). McGraw-Hill Book Company. New York et al.

Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet. Boxelder Bug. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2106.html