Family: Pyrrhocoridae
Species: Dysdercus decussatus
Common Name: Cotton Stainer Bug

Location: Pasir Ris Park

The Cotton Stainer Bug is brightly coloured and they are easily found amid the flower buds of the Sea Hibiscus plant. They are regarded as a pest by cotton farmers because they carry a fungus that stains cotton. In nature, most feed on Portia Tree seeds but bugs that feed on cotton grow larger and faster.

I caught this amorous pair underneath a leaf. I had a hard time following them as they kept moving away from my lens, all the time still 'stuck' together. It must be 'painful' for the smaller male that was dragged along while on-the-run. After a few pictures, I gave the pair some much needed privacy.