Rearing Pyrrhocoris apterus

[jterry85]

Hello everyone,

I have just begun collecting and will be posting some photos of some of my collected insects in a little while but I have decided to try and rear some firebugs.

I was outside talking with a friend when I saw a mating pair in the act of mating and thought I would put them in a little homemade terrarium to observe them and see if I could have them reproduce.

I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips or suggestions or even recommend a good website or book. From what I have read so far it says they feed on seeds (which ones I do not know or know how to get them) and that they can mate for 12 hours up to 7 days. I figure if this is unsuccessful or too difficult then the worst that will happen is that I'll have a male and female Pyrrhocoris apterus to add to my collection.

Thanks for any help,
Joe

[jterry85]

Well no replies but that's ok, I think I got it figured out. I now have about 12-15 of them in my home-made terrarium including two mating pairs! Here's a picture I took tonight of them partaking in their socializing behavior. I've enjoyed collecting insects so far but I think watching their interaction can be just as equally fascinating.

[ckswank]

Cool looking creatures. Not much of an expert on these. Found articles on Wikipedia & BugGuide that say they feed on Malvacaea (Mallows) which include Hibiscus, Cotton, & Okra. Probably feed on the mature seed pods of these, as many true bugs are pests on agricultural crops. Like I said, only going by these articles & limited personal observations of related species.

Charlie