Anita’s Blog – Artful Bug Disguises
- jjvanm
- 39 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Do you ever think bugs are playing tricks on you? Two species seem to have more disguises than a cold war spy. They trick me every time.
If it weren’t for my iNaturalist.org phone app, I would think I had found 12 different bug species, when in fact, they all come up identified as Symphylus caribbeanus.
Why is that important? Well, it probably isn’t but I was becoming annoyed with myself that I couldn’t remember what a bug looked like even though the name was familiar, nor could I remember the markings of one specific moth, thinking I was photographing something new, but always coming up as Toxonprucha excavata, a prolific southern Texas moth.
So, I asked Google, “Do Symphylus caribbeanus have different colors?”
I was led to a 30 August 2017, scholarly Journal short by A.G. Wheeler, Jr., and an opportunity to purchase the full article, which I did not.
However, the short answer to my question was, “yes.”
“Symphylus caribbeanus is a species of shield-backed bugs that exhibits significant color variation, with several distinct color forms.” (Excerpt from the above mentioned journal short). They are just under 1/2 inch in size. Interestingly, according to entomological research, their intraspecific color variations fall into four main types:
Most Common Form: Yellowish-brown without dark markings, featuring black punctures in short, transverse rows (especially in males).
Two-Spotted: Similar yellow-brown coloring, but with two black spots on the scutellum. The scutellum is a hardened, plate-like structure located on the top of an insect's thorax. It typically forms a small, distinct triangle or shield just behind the head and between the base of the wings
Apex-Spotted: Similar to the two-spotted form, but with an additional pale spot at the tip (apex) of the scutellum.
Variegated: A mottled or patterned look that closely resembles another bug species, Stethaulax marmoratus
See if you can pick out the four forms from the gallery of photos below:
Symphylus caribbeanus is not considered beneficial to gardens or crops. They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap and seeds, which can result in minor agricultural or garden damage. They do not hunt destructive insects like aphids or caterpillars.
Like other shield bugs, (stink bugs), they have glands that can release a defensive, foul-smelling odor when threatened or crushed. Symphylus caribbeanus are prominently found in the Caribbean, including islands like Cuba and have established populations in parts of the southern United States, especially Florida and Texas.
The trickster moth, Toxonprucha excavata. It is highly variable in its overall appearance. I asked Google about that, too.
Toxonprucha excavata has a wingspan to about 7/8 of an inch. The forewings are medium to dark brown, crossed by several dark, wavy lines. The wing pattern closely overlaps with related species in the genus. It is slightly larger, on average, than similar lookalikes, such as Toxonprucha killamae and Toxonprucha scitior. (not shown.)
Physical appearance alone is rarely sufficient for identification, according to BugGuide.net. “The only definitive methods for accurate identification are genitalia dissection or DNA sequencing.” source: BugGuide.net.
The moths are found in southern regions of Arizona and Texas. They are neither notable pests nor renowned pollinators, according to BugGuide.net. The caterpillars possibly feed on Acacia plants. They do not damage clothing, crops or homes. Adults and larvae alike, in their ecological role, serve as a food source for local predators, such as birds, bats, lizards and other insects.
The moth sheet and black light set up this month has offered a not so good but creatively designed bug and a neutral moth that has variations. Here’s something pleasing and colorful with only a slight shade of change:
Four-spotted Fungus Beetle, Ischyrus quadripunctatus, is a species of Pleasing Fungus Beetle in the family Erotylidae. Known for their distinctive black and orange patterns, these beetles are common throughout the Americas. They frequent woodland habitats.
A very small beetle, generally from 0.15 to 0.3 inches, it may have bright orange to yellow-orange to brownish elytra (wing covers) with distinct black markings, including four prominent spots on the pronotum (the area just behind the head). Adults are typically found in reasonably large groups and are nocturnal, highly active and frequently attracted to artificial lights at night. I had a lone visitor.
Four-spotted fungus beetle bugs are widespread across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. In North America, their range spans from Quebec and Florida to Manitoba and Central Texas, and as far west as Arizona.
In winter, they commonly hang out under bark or rotting rubbish. In summer, they can be found on decaying, downed logs. Both larvae and adults feed on soft polypores (bracket or shelf fungi). These beetles are important to forest ecosystems by aiding decomposition which returns vital nutrients to the soil.
Pleasing fungus beetles are completely harmless to humans, pets, and living plants. They actively contribute to forest and garden health.
By setting up my black light and moth sheet, and highlighting some unusual nighttime visitors, I’m getting my moths ready for Moth Week and promoting the mothing activity. Moth Week is July 18 – 26, 2026. This year’s theme goes beyond moths by “Exploring Nighttime Nature.” Mothing events are fun and are opportunities to earn volunteer time and advanced training hours for Texas Master Naturalists. Moth Week is a renowned Citizen Scientist event that encourages citizens to get involved and participate in a summer BioBlitz. For more information about this famous global event, visit: www.nationalmothweek.org
Our sister chapter, Rio Grande Valley Chapter Texas Master Naturalist is partnering with South Texas Ecotourism Center for a special event, “Moth Night – After Dark @ the STEC” at 501 TX-100 State Highway, in Laguna Vista. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. Sunset is around 8:30 p.m. The event will go until 10 p.m.
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