Italian Striped Bug
Graphosoma italicum
Adult Italian striped bugs are common on warm, open grasslands, gardens, roadsides, and herb-rich field margins across much of Europe. They feed mainly on the seeds and sap of plants in the carrot family, often walking openly over flower heads instead of hiding. The bold red-and-black stripes are warning colors, backed up by foul-smelling gland secretions that deter birds and other predators. Adults have functional wings and can fly between host plants, though they usually rely on walking and chemical defense.
- Type
- Venom
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- Italian Striped Bug Nymph
- Italian Striped Bug