Scarlet Assassin Bug: Beneficial Predator of Japanese Beetles

The scarlet-bordered assassin bug (Rhiginia cruciata) is a striking red-and-black true bug that preys on Japanese beetles and other pests. Adults and nymphs pierce prey with a beak and suck fluids.

Encourage Them

• Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides.
• Plant diverse flowers for nectar (adults feed on pollen too).
• Recognize nymphs—they look different from adults but are equally predatory.

A thousand of these in your yard would be a gardener’s dream!

Scarlet assassin bug feeding on Japanese beetle.