Dindymus versicolor

Dindymus versicolor, commonly called the harlequin bug,^[2] is a species of cotton stainer bug (red bug), found in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. An attractive insect, up to 12 mm long with a black head and bands on the fore-wing, and orange/red elsewhere. When the wings are folded, two red triangles appear. Legs are relatively long.^[3]

Dindymus versicolor
A dindymus versicolor in Victoria, Australia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Heteroptera
Family:	Pyrrhocoridae
Genus:	Dindymus
Species:	D. versicolor
Binomial name
Dindymus versicolor (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1853)
Synonyms
Odontopus versicolor Herrich-Schaeffer, 1853[1]

These sucking insects have a reputation as a pest in the garden, damaging a wide range of plants. They are known to damage a variety of crops and ornamentals. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture) report they attack cotton, pome fruits, stone fruits, fig, grape, kurrajong, strawberry, vegetables, wisteria, dahlia and violets.^[4]

In winter, they find shelter in dark shady places such as under compost, timber, hedges, and fence palings.^[5]