Mediterranean Red Bug

Mediterranean Red Bug

Scantius aegyptius

Daily sighting probability ~30% · Possible
at Izmir

In 3 days ~70% in a week ~90%

24 Verified sightings at Izmir
107 In all 3 parks From 2019 to 2026
April Best month
☀️ Diurnal When it's spotted

About the Mediterranean Red Bug

Scantius aegyptius, the Mediterranean red bug, is a species of red bug in the family Pyrrhocoridae, that is a pest of plant species in the family Malvaceae. These ground-dwelling bugs feed on seeds and seed pods. They are known for their black and red coloration that employs aposematism to deter predators. Their head, antennae and legs are black, and their red back has two round black spots. Nymphs may be completely red, and develop increasing dark spots as they moult. Adults typically measure 7–9 mm in length.

Considered an invasive species in North America, it was first recorded in California in 2009. As of 2018, it could be found in most Southern California counties, as well as some in Central California. Wikipedia →

Global Distribution

Parks Where Found

# Park Country Daily sighting probability
1 Channel Islands National Park 🇺🇸 United States
~30%
2 Sierra Nevada National Park 🇪🇸 Spain
~10%
3 Doñana National Park 🇪🇸 Spain
~10%

Cities Where Found

# City Country Daily sighting probability
1 Izmir 🇹🇷 Turkey
~30%
2 Athens 🇬🇷 Greece
~20%
3 Rome 🇮🇹 Italy
~20%
4 Tijuana 🇲🇽 México
~20%
5 Marrakesh 🇲🇦 Morocco
~10%
6 Jerusalem 🇮🇱 Israel
~10%
7 Valencia 🇪🇸 Spain
~10%
8 Tel Aviv 🇮🇱 Israel
~10%
9 Mesa 🇺🇸 United States
~10%
10 Phoenix 🇺🇸 United States
~10%

Before you go

What are the chances of seeing a Mediterranean Red Bug in Izmir?

Possible

About 30% of wildlife watchers report a Mediterranean Red Bug sighting in Izmir on a given day, based on 24 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 4th most-seen of the 50 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 70%, and over a week to about 90%, if each day is a fresh chance.

When is the best time to see a Mediterranean Red Bug in Izmir?

April and November

In those months about 40% of wildlife watchers report a Mediterranean Red Bug in Izmir on a given day, against under 5% in January and August, the lowest months.

What time of day is best to see a Mediterranean Red Bug?

Between 11 am and 2 pm

Across all the parks we cover, that three-hour window holds the most Mediterranean Red Bug sightings with a recorded time, and nearly all of them come between 6 am and 6 pm: it is a daytime animal.

Is Izmir the best place to see a Mediterranean Red Bug?

Yes

Of the 17 cities where we can rate Mediterranean Red Bug sightings, Izmir has the highest daily chance: about 30%. Next come Athens (Greece, about 20%) and Rome (Italy, about 20%).

Where does the Mediterranean Red Bug sighting chance come from?

GBIF citizen-science records

It is estimated from how often the Mediterranean Red Bug is recorded against all the insects logged in Izmir (24 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.

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