Diet

• Adults and nymphs: Primarily feed on seeds, fruits and other reproductive parts of plants, using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant juices.

• The species is strongly associated with cotton (Gossypium spp.) and other members of the mallow family (Malvaceae).

• It is particularly associated with Turk's cap (Malvaviscus arboreus), which accounts for its common name, Turk's Cap Red Bug.

• Feeding on cotton bolls and seeds can make Dysdercus species important agricultural pests.

Range

• Dysdercus concinnus is a cotton stainer (Pyrrhocoridae).

• The species is well documented in Mexico, including populations associated with wild cotton.

• It is occasionally sighted in Zihua, where Malvaceae and other tropical vegetation provide suitable habitat.

Habitat

• Found in tropical dry forest, tropical deciduous forest, scrub, gardens, agricultural areas and other habitats containing Malvaceae.

• Adults and nymphs may occur in groups on flowers, fruits, seed capsules and developing seeds.

• Around Zihua, check hibiscus, Turk's cap, wild cotton and other mallows, particularly when they are flowering or producing seed.

• They may also be found on fallen fruits and seeds beneath host plants.

Size

• Adult length: approximately 10–16 mm (0.4–0.63 in), with females generally larger than males.

• Body elongated and somewhat oval.

• Typically pale red, orange-red or reddish-brown, with contrasting black markings.

• The wing pattern includes a distinctive dark marking on the corium, although its extent can vary.