Firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus

Firebug
Firebug
Firebug
The Firebug is a distinctive red bug with art deco black markings.
Firebug
Firebug adult and nymph
Firebugs
They are found across Eurasia and have a small foothold in the UK.
Firebug
Firebug on mallow
Firebug
They live on mallows and also lime trees.
Firebug colony
Firebug colony on tree
Firebugs
They often form large colonies, as on this lime tree, with 200 or more bugs at different stages of development all living in a cleft in the bark on the trunk.
Firebug nymph on mallow
Firebug nymph on mallow
Firebugs
Later nymphs have a smart black bow tie and three buttons.
Firebug One
Firebug Two
Firebug threesome Firebug threesome