Harlequin Bugs

Adult Harlequin Bugs are black. This shield-shaped bug is brightly colored with orange, red, and yellow markings and is 7 to 10 mm in length. Eggs are barrel-shaped and 1 mm long. Their coloring is light gray or pale yellow. There are two black bands on the eggs. Eggs are laid in clusters on crucifer foliage. The nymph is oval and similar to the adult in coloration, but is slightly smaller and lacks wings. Harlequin Bugs are found from coast to coast in North America as far north as the Great Lakes and New England.

They attack nearly all vegetables of the mustard family: especially mustard greens; various cabbages; broccoli; cauliflower; brussels sprouts, including common weeds of the mustard family such as wild mustard, shepherds purse, peppergrass, bitter cress, and watercress. If infestations are heavy and food becomes scarce, harlequin bugs will also feed on squash, corn, bean, asparagus, okra, and tomato.

For control products and more information please see our True Bugs page.