It’s spring once again ladies and gentlemen. And while the world may be on hold and in the Coronavirus’ grasp, the bugs aren’t. If you manage to go outside during this season, you may have noticed the sidewalk covered with small, black, and red beetles. Those are the very same 2020 Goldenrain tree Bug mentioned above, and who we’ll be discussing today.
What is the 2020 Goldenrain tree Bug?
Before that, we’ll discuss how this bug gets its name. Well, from the Goldenrain tree of course! It’s a very colorful tree, and it starts in the spring with tiny yellow blossoms that give way to small, pinkish pods that contain tiny black seeds. It can grow in a variety of conditions and soil types. Its ornamental value comes from those same pods mentioned above.
But today we’re talking about the good ol’ 2020 Goldenrain tree bug. They’re also called Jadera bugs and red-shoulder bugs. This is a “true” bug, as identified by it’s sucking mouthparts, young that are called nymphs, and it’s leathery and membranous front wings. It belongs to a group of true bugs known as the scentless plant bugs or Rhopalidae.
Adults are dark brown or black incest about ten to thirteen millimeters long. The “shoulder” area, eyes, and the border of the abdomen are red. Short winged forms (brachypterous) forms also may occur where the wings do not fully cover the abdomen, exposing areas of red. Nymphs have a reddish body with a brown thorax, antennae, and legs. Another common name for this insect is the “redshouldered bug” because of its prominent red markings
Winter is spent in the adult stage and the insects move to the area of goldenrain trees in spring, shortly after bud break. In Colorado, the goldenrain tree bug is only known to feed on the seeds and foliage of goldenrain tree. In the southern states, where this insect is much more common and native, several species of native and introduced plants of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) also are hosts. Chinaberry (Sapindus drummondi) is a species particularly associated with the development of large local populations of this insect.
2020 Goldenrain Tree Bug: Adaptability
The goldenrain tree bug has been the subject of several studies on the ability of insects to rapidly evolve adaptations to new hosts. It is a species native to the southern US where it was associated with three native species of plants in the soapberry family. However, various soapberry family plants have been introduced into areas of the southern US (including golden rain tree) which has provided new sources of host plants on which the insects can develop. To adapt to these plants populations of the insect have developed longer, or shorter, mouthparts to better reach the seed of the various local hosts. Biochemical changes have also been documented that allow the insects to metabolize defensive compounds of the new hosts.
While the weather remains warm, these beautiful red and black insects will mate, lay eggs, and feed on the bounty of the rain tree. Using their beaks, nymphs and adults pierce the tough seed coat and probe the nutritious meat of the seed. Digestive enzymes pumped into the seed break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Once liquefied, these nutrients are sucked up the beak and into the gut of the bug where they are converted to proteins used for growth and reproduction, or broken down to supply the energy for all the running about and mating that occupies the time of these bugs. Adult golden rain tree bugs use this rich source of food to fatten up in preparation for winter.
Is the 2020 Goldenrain Tree Bug a Pest?
To bring it full circle, every pest control office is deluged with phone calls and visits about this horde of small black bugs. Heck, most of the time they can be identified without a sample. The description of the bugs is enough. But time and again, they turn out to be the Jadera bug. Their rise in central Florida can be described as almost biblical in number. But, many fears regarding this insect are just not true. So let me try to put your mind at ease about this insect.
In Florida, we have two species of the 2020 Goldenrain tree bug. One is known as the Jadera haematoloma. They can be confused with the boxelder bug, but they are a different species in the same family. Jadera haematoloma is present throughout most of Florida. But here in central Florida, you’ll notice them most often early in spring.
Jadera bugs feed exclusively on seeds. That means that they do not damage structures, plants in your landscape and they do not bite or vector diseases. When squashed, they can stain hands and clothes red. But other than that, they are harmless. If you have a goldenrain tree or chinaberry tree on your property you are probably very familiar with these insects. That’s because the seeds from those trees are by far their favorite food. Both of these trees are invasive, so if you remove trees like this from your landscape and clean up all of the fallen seeds, the numbers of Jadera bugs will decrease over time. Residents will often see the insects covering an exterior wall, sidewalk, lawn area, or tree trunk, but in reality, the insects are searching for those goldenrain tree seeds.
Should you spray for Goldenrain tree bugs?
Honestly, no. Chemical controls are dangerous all around as it stands, and has been proven time and time again. If you are going to use a method of pest control, try to go to a natural specialist.
Other than that, sealing up any loose cracks in the house will keep them from coming inside by accident. Simply caulk any cracks and seal any space between your door and the floor. And if they get on you, don’t squish them! Like I said above, they can stain your clothes and skin bright red. This insect causes no damage to humans or our property, so respond to their presence gently when you can.
