Jadera Bug Identification, Habitat & Behavior

Jadera Bug

Actual Size: 9.5 to 13.5 mm with wings

Characteristics: Black or brownish-black; eyes, shoulders, sides of the abdomen are reddish

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Yards, lawns, and gardens; often found in large groups feeding on leaking tree sap, dead insects, or seeds that have fallen from trees overhead.

Habits:

Known to enter structures in the fall to seek out a warm place to overwinter.
Adults feed on seeds that have dropped to the ground from trees overhead, especially from Golden Rain Trees.
Will infest lawns, and when adults or children come in contact with them, they will stain clothing red from their squashed bodies.

Jadera Bugs in Central Florida

The Jadera Bug is very common in Florida, California, Texas, and other southeastern states. Also known as the Red-Shouldered Bug or Golden Rain Tree Bug, they appear in large colonies in yards and gardens. Jadera bugs are often confused with the boxelder bug, but they are different species in the same insect family. Unlike similar insects, the Jadera Bug is scentless, meaning it does not spray a noxious chemical when disturbed.

Jadera Bug Habitat

Found throughout the year, the Jadera Bug is fond of the sweet sap and fruit from various trees, and they are especially fond of seeds from the Golden Rain Tree. Dead insects and food leftovers from humans are also part of the Jadera Bug’s diet. When conditions are favorable, Jadera Bugs will invade properties in large numbers in search of plant seeds.

Jadera Bug Behaviors, Threats, & Dangers

Although they do not cause any serious damage, the Jadera Bug is considered a nuisance pest. When hundreds of these insects gather on lawns, host plants, and nearby structures, they will try to enter homes and may cause spots on walls or clothing. Homeowners should avoid crushing these insects as they stain. If large numbers are an issue indoors, they can easily be vacuumed up. A small number of bugs on a plant can often be destroyed by hand collecting. If the bugs are a nuisance in lawns or playgrounds, raking to remove the seeds that the bugs are feeding on should be helpful. If non-chemical methods are not practical, it is best to contact a licensed exterminator.