Most recently reviewed by: Janet Hurley (2018)

Common Name(s): "Red Cross" Beetle

Description

This soft-bodied beetle is most easily recognized by the red markings on the wing covers (elytra) which are in the form of a cross. The remainder of the elytra has four blue-black spots. The head, abdomen and legs are black to brownish black. The pronotum is red with a one or two bluish-black spots on the center of the pronotum. They are about 1/4-inch long.

Several related species are similar in general appearance but with different markings. Collops quinquemaculatus (Fabricius) is very similar in appearance but is smaller and the pronotum is red.

Origin and Distribution

Adults can be found on flowers where they probably feed on pollen. They also feed on insects and insect eggs. It is reported to feed on leafhoppers and eggs of the chinch bug and they are common in cotton and other agricultural commodities.