Insect and Spider Identification: Help identify this insect, 1 by ilv2grdn

ilv2grdn wrote:
This is similar in appearance to the American Boxelder bug, Boisea trivittata in nymph (baby) stage. The Boxelder bug is not a good bug or necessarily a bad bug but it can be a nuisance bug, in that it can invade homes in winter. It feeds on plant juices. Doesn't cause much damage but can be bad news for apple, plum and strawberry growers. http://www.pestworld.org/news-and-views/pest-articles/articl...

Another American look alike is the Milkweed Bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. which feed mainly on Milkweeds, Asclepias. http://bugguide.net/node/view/504


There are are however, bugs of the same family that feed on harmful insects. Even their own harmful family members. These are known as Ambush bugs. This could possibly be a nymph from one of those.

This bug being from India, it is not colored exactly the same so cannot be 100% certain. I am only familiar with American insects. But hope that maybe I've pointed you in the right direction to do your own research.

All of these, including the one pictured, are true Bugs. Most will emit a strong, unpleasant odor which they use as a defense.