Pest profile

Cotton Stainer

Dysdercus suturellus · Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae[2]

Cotton stainers are red-and-black bugs that gather on hibiscus and related plants in south Florida; once a major cotton pest.[1]

Cotton stainer, a slender red and black bug with pale lines, on a leaf
Cotton stainer, a slender red and black bug with pale lines, on a leaf. (c) Richard Stovall, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Eggs are pale yellow, like microscopic hens' eggs, laid in sand or debris.[1]
  • There are five nymphal stages.[1]

Where it lives

Most common in south Florida and Cuba, it's also reported from Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, where it's presumed rare.[1]

US map: public records from 1 state since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Eggs hatch in about a week.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Hosts include hibiscus, Turk's cap, rose buds and blossoms, eggplant and guava; it was once Florida's most destructive cotton pest.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; UF/IFAS mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Keep them out

Sticky bands around trunks keep young bugs from climbing.[1]

Sanitation

Don't leave host plant debris on the ground for breeding.[1]

Traps and physical control

Shake small colonies into soapy water.[1]

Common questions

What are the red and black bugs on my hibiscus?
In south Florida, likely cotton stainers.[1]
How do I get rid of them?
Shake them into soapy water and clean up plant debris.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Cotton Stainer, Dysdercus suturellus (EENY-330).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN606 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Dysdercus suturellus taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/326190 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.