Bordered Plant Bug: All You Need to Know for Healthy Gardens

The Bordered Plant Bug is a fascinating insect commonly found in gardens across North America.

With its striking deep gray-blue body and orange trim outline, this bug is easily distinguishable from other true bugs.

As they grow, they can reach up to half an inch in length, making them relatively easy to spot in the wild.

While the adult Bordered Plant Bug features a dark black, semi-diamond-shaped “tail end,” their nymphs showcase a metallic blue/black color with an orange warning triangle at the center.

These nymphs can sometimes be challenging to identify, as they don’t look much like their adult counterparts.

Bordered Plant Bug Overview

Classification

The Bordered Plant Bug belongs to the Largidae family, which is part of the Hemiptera order, also known as true bugs.

Within this family, there are multiple species and genera, including the Larginae subfamily and the Pyrrhocoroidea superfamily.

Identification

1. Size: Adult Bordered Plant Bugs typically measure up to 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in length.
2. Coloration:
   • Body: The primary body color of the Bordered Plant Bug is a deep gray-blue.
   • Trim: One of the most distinguishing features of this bug is its vibrant orange trim outline, which borders its body.
3. Tail End: The Bordered Plant Bug features a unique dark black, semi-diamond-shaped structure at its tail end.
4. Nymphs: They exhibit a metallic blue/black hue and have a notable orange warning triangle at their center. Unlike adults, nymphs lack fully developed wings.
5. Wings: Adult Bordered Plant Bugs have well-developed wings that cover their body. These wings often showcase the deep gray-blue coloration and are bordered by the distinctive orange trim.

Some related species, such as the Jadera antica, can be distinguished by their distinct differences in coloration, which is brownish-salmon color, with fuscous dots on upper surface and thorax

Comparing these two species in a table format:

This information should help you better identify and understand the Bordered Plant Bug’s physical characteristics.

Habitat and Range

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Mating

The reproductive cycle of the Bordered Plant Bug is a fascinating aspect of its life history. Like many other insects, their mating rituals and behaviors are intricately linked to their survival and propagation.

The Bordered Plant Bug employs a series of visual and chemical cues to attract potential mates.

Males often display a series of wing flicks and body movements to signal their availability and interest to females.

Additionally, both males and females release pheromones, chemical signals, to communicate their reproductive status.

These pheromones play a crucial role in helping them locate and select suitable mates.

Once a male successfully attracts a female, the courtship process begins. This might involve more intricate displays, tactile interactions using their antennae, and even short chases.

After successful courtship, copulation occurs, during which the male transfers his sperm to the female.

This process can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on various factors, including environmental conditions and the age of the bugs.

Egg Laying and Protection

Post-mating, the female Bordered Plant Bug lays her fertilized eggs on the undersides of leaves or within plant crevices, providing them with some protection from predators.

The choice of location is strategic, often close to their preferred food sources, ensuring that the emerging nymphs have immediate access to nourishment.

Some females might guard their eggs for a short period, although this behavior varies among individuals.

Nymphs and Development

The bordered plant bug has a distinct life cycle that includes nymphs, which grow and develop throughout the summer months.

The nymphs are metallic blue/black in color and have an orange, warning triangle at their center¹. Some key characteristics of nymphs include:

• Lack of fully developed wings
• Smaller size compared to adults
• Dramatic color changes as they mature

Eggs and Overwintering

Bordered plant bug adults lay their eggs during the summer, which are then left to overwinter.

This allows the eggs to survive through the cold winter months and hatch once the temperatures rise again.

The life cycle and reproduction of the bugs are intrinsically linked to the seasonal changes in their environment.

Feeding and Habits

Common Plants and Trees

Here are some of their preferred food sources:

1. Seeds and Shoots: They primarily feed on the seeds and shoots of hardwood trees. This feeding habit can sometimes lead to minor damages to the plants, but they are generally not considered significant pests.
2. Weeds: Various types of weeds serve as food sources for these bugs. They extract nutrients from these plants, helping in indirectly controlling the weed population in some areas.
3. Garden Plants: In gardens, they are known to feed on a variety of plants. Some of their favorites include ornamental grasses, roses, chrysanthemums, and other flowering plants.
4. Fruits and Vegetables: Bordered Plant Bugs can sometimes be found on fruit plants like strawberries and blueberries. They might also be attracted to vegetable plants, although they are not primary pests for these crops.
5. Other Sources: Apart from plants, these bugs have been observed scavenging on animal feces and dead insects, indicating a varied diet.

Some examples of plants and trees these bugs feed on include:

• Ornamental grasses
• Roses
• Chrysanthemums
• Clover
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Tomatoes

These insects can also be found on herbs and other garden plants.

Piercing-Sucking Mouthparts

Bordered Plant Bugs, like other true bugs, have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to feed on plant parts, particularly seeds.

They pierce the plant stems and suck out the plant juices, which can sometimes result in damage to the plant.

However, the damage is typically minimal.

To better understand the feeding habits of Bordered Plant Bugs, let’s compare them to Spittlebugs, another common garden insect:

Remember to keep an eye out for these insects in your garden and take necessary measures when needed.

Bordered Plant Bugs in Gardens

Effects on Garden Plants

The Bordered Plant Bug (Largus cinctus) is often found in gardens, where it feeds on various plants.

Although they can cause damage to garden plants by feeding on leaves and fruits, they are usually not harmful enough to warrant drastic control measures.

Natural and Chemical Control

To control Bordered Plant Bugs in gardens, some natural and chemical control methods can be used.

Natural control methods:

• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on the nymphs of Bordered Plant Bugs
• Handpick the bugs from your plants and dispose of them

Chemical control methods:

• Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the population; however, this may also harm beneficial insects in your garden.

Pros and Cons of control methods:

At-Home Management Techniques

Mason Jar Method

The Mason Jar Method is a simple, non-toxic approach to managing Bordered Plant Bugs. Here’s how you can do it:

• Fill a mason jar halfway with a mixture of water and dish soap
• Trap the bug between the jar and the surface it is on
• Allow the bug to fall into the soapy water
• Dispose of the dead bug and replace the water when necessary

This method is beneficial because it’s:

• Eco-friendly
• Cost-effective
• Easy to implement

However, it might not be the best solution if you’re dealing with a large infestation.

Shop Vac Method

Another option for managing Bordered Plant Bugs is the Shop Vac Method. Follow these steps:

1. Purchase a shop vac with a fine mesh filter
2. Vacuum the bugs off your plants and surrounding areas
3. Empty the vacuum outside, away from your garden

Keep in mind:

• The Shop Vac Method works best for larger infestations
• Regular vacuuming helps prevent future problems

In summary, the Mason Jar Method is ideal for eco-friendly, small-scale management, while the Shop Vac Method is better for larger infestations.

Choose the technique that best suits your situation and enjoy a bug-free garden!

Conclusion

The Bordered Plant Bug, a member of the Largus species, is a captivating insect native to North America, with some presence in Central and South America.

Distinguished by its deep gray-blue body and vibrant orange trim, it stands out in gardens and wild areas alike. While often mistaken for other bugs, its unique appearance and feeding habits set it apart.

Predominantly found in wild areas, gardens, and some urban spaces, this bug has a penchant for feeding on a variety of plants, from hardwood tree shoots to garden flowers.

Although they can sometimes be seen as nuisances, their role in controlling weed populations and their minimal impact on garden plants make them a relatively benign presence.

By understanding their geographical spread, preferred habitats, and feeding preferences, we can better appreciate the Bordered Plant Bug’s role in our ecosystem and coexist harmoniously with this intriguing insect.