TAXONOMY: Hemiptera (Order). Species of Shield bug/ Stink bug.

DESCRIPTION: Bagrada hilaris is a species of shield bug known by the common names "bragada bug or painted bug". It could be mistaken for or erroneously referred to as harlequin bug. It is native to Africa.

PEST IDENTIFICATION (Adult): The adult bug is 5-7 mm in length, shield-shaped, & black with white and orange markings. The female, which is larger than the male. lays up to 100 oval/barrel-shaped eggs on leaves or in the soil beneath plants.

PEST IDENTIFICATION (Juvenile): Within 8 days the first-instar nymph emerges. It is bright orange-red and turns darker as it develops, becoming black by the last instar.

PEST IDENTIFICATION (Egg): The eggs are white when freshly deposited and turn orange over time.

DISTRIBUTION ON PLANT: Large numbers of the bug congregate on the plants and cause extensive damage.

LIFECYCLE: lays up to 150 oval/barrel-shaped eggs on leaves or in the soil beneath plants. Within a 2-3 week period.

DETRIMENT TO CROPS: It is a major pest insect of brassica crops (including cabbage, kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and broccoli), and related crucifers such as turnips, rape, & mustard. The adult and nymph of the species suck sap from the leaves of the plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunting of growth. Besides crucifers, the bugs are known on sorghum, maize, potato, cotton, pearl millet, and some legumes. Large numbers of the bug congregate on the plants and cause extensive damage.

MONITORING REMARKS Scout frequently in cabbages. Adults can be evenly distributed around the plant. The eggs can either be deposited in the soil or on the leaves of the plant. Damaged  leaves can look scorched.

ACTION THRESHOLD: Suppress at early identification to avoid substantial crop damage as populations can build up rapidly.

CONTROL REMARKS: generally controlled by most broadspectrum insecticides.

Contact a Cropserve agronomist for further information.