April 2011 - Melacoryphus lateralis

Melacoryphus lateralis (no common name) is an interesting specimen with its red design which serves as a warning to predators. It is a member of the Lygaeidae family of insects, otherwise known as seed bugs. Seed bugs in turn are part of a huge order of bugs called Hemiptera. These insects have two sets of wings with the front set being leathery at the base and transparent at the tip.