Clown Bug and Clown Bug Nymph from Australia

bugman

January 26th, 2010 at 4:23 am

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Is this a Shield Bug?
January 26, 2010
Image 1.I first thought this was a Shield Bug, but am not so sure especially the hind legs?
Image2. Large 2inch beetle?
Image3. What type of Assasin bug could this be?
Many Thanks
Jeff Keyes
Jeff @sportsmancreek.org
Grafton New South Wales Australia

Clown Bug

Dear Jeff,
Generally, we only like to post one species of insect, or at least only closely related species in the same posting, and we prefer that letters be more than a list, as information that is provided is often very helpful for identification purposes. Detailed letters are also much more entertaining than reading a list. With that said, your first and third images are both in the same family, Coreidae, commonly called the Leaf Footed Bugs or Big Legged Bugs. In the case of your specimens, Big Legged Bugs seems more appropriate. We suspect that your two images might be the same species, as nymphs are often more brightly colored than adults which are winged. We researched this on the Brisbane Insect website and we believe you have submitted photos of a Clown Bug in the adult and late instar nymph forms. The Clown Bug, Amorbus robustus, is also called the Eucalyptus Tip Bug. Your photos are beautiful.