Pyrrhocorini

Pyrrhocorini is a tribe of true bugs in the family Pyrrhocoridae, order Hemiptera. It comprises several genera, including Pyrrhocoris and Spilostethus. Members are commonly known as firebugs or red bugs and typically display conspicuous red and black coloration, an aposematic signal to potential predators. They are diurnal and often form dense aggregations on or near host plants.

Most species in Pyrrhocorini feed primarily on seeds, especially from the Malvaceae (mallows) and related plant groups, though some will consume other plant tissues. They are phytophagous and, while usually not major agricultural pests, large populations can damage seeds on ornamental or crop plants and create noticeable nuisances when clustered in visible aggregations.

The group undergoes incomplete metamorphosis: eggs are laid on plant surfaces, hatch into nymphs that molt through several instars, and mature into winged or wingless adults. In temperate regions, many species overwinter as adults and reemerge in spring to reproduce.

Distribution and habitat of Pyrrhocorini are predominantly Old World, with many species found in Europe, Africa, and Asia; several also occur in tropical regions. Notable species include Pyrrhocoris apterus, common in Europe, and Spilostethus pandurus, widespread around the Mediterranean and into parts of Asia.

Chemistry and defense are linked to their coloration. The red-and-black patterns, alongside chemical deterrents such as pyrrhocoric acid produced by some species, contribute to predator avoidance and help explain the insects’ gregarious, conspicuous behavior. Taxonomic placement within Pyrrhocoridae can vary among authorities, but Pyrrhocorini is generally recognized as a distinct tribe within this family.