The animal kingdom is filled with mesmerizing creatures. Picasso bugs are amazing proof of that. These tiny creatures are always mistaken for beetles but they belong to a species of shield-backed bugs of the family Scutelleridae. Picasso bugs are famous for their green color shell with eleven ring-shaped spots on the scutellum. Because of that, this bug can be camouflaged around leaves, so it can hide from predators. Also, the spots on the scutellum help to differentiate the Picasso bugs from the beetle. This oval shaped creature develops for at least 0.25 in (6.3 mm) in body length. Similar to the stinkbug, the Picasso bugs feel threatened or disturbed they emit a toxic smelly odor.
Mainly Picasso bugs live on a variety of flowering plants, including members of the Asteraceae (daisy) family, such as sunflowers and daisies, as well as plants in the Amaranthaceae and Malvaceae families. They start their reproducing season from November to December. Female picasso bugs lay eggs, often on leaf and stem areas. After coming out from eggs, bugs take 56 days to fully develop.
Picasso bugs mainly eat on plant sap in from various plants and commercial crops. By consuming plant sap, Picasso bugs gain the nutrients they need for growth, development, and reproduction.
These bugs are native to tropical and subtropical Africa like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. Even though Picasso bugs feed on plant sap they do not harm significantly to the plants so they are not considered as a threat by farmers.
The elaborated colorful patterns in Picasso bug’s shell remind the fancy patterns look like the paintings of a famous artist named Pablo Picasso. That is how the bugs got their name ‘Picasso Bug’.
Let’s keep exploring and admiring nature’s amazing things, and let’s work hard to protect them for all living creatures. Our planet’s beauty comes from the balance of nature, like the stunning Picasso Bug.
