On this page
How to identify it
- They are tiny, rounded and usually shiny black, with an enlarged, shell-like plate (the scutellum) covering the whole abdomen, which makes them look like beetles.[1]
- Corimelaena pulicaria has a row of bristles on the tibia of its legs, smells like almond extract when handled and can make a faint squeaking sound.[2]
- Like other true bugs they have straw-like mouthparts rather than chewing jaws.[1]
Where it lives
Dozens of species occur in North America in the genera Corimelaena, Cydnoides and Galgupha; Corimelaena pulicaria is a common garden species in Connecticut and elsewhere.[1][2]
Biology and life cycle
Corimelaena pulicaria spends the winter in the soil and becomes active in late April.[2]
Ebony bugs develop by simple metamorphosis, from egg through wingless nymphs to winged adults, feeding on flowers and developing seeds.[1]
Damage and signs
Health risk
They feed on plants; the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Connecticut station mention no risk to people.[1][2]
Control
Prevention
Control is rarely needed; where they injure plants, the Connecticut station manages them like other plant bugs on perennials.[2][1]
Common questions
Sources
- Missouri Department of Conservation, “Ebony Bugs (Field Guide).” mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/ebony-bugs (accessed 2026-10-19)
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, “Plant Pest Handbook: Lobelia.” portal.ct.gov/caes/plant-pest-handbook/pphl/lobelia-lobelia (accessed 2026-10-19)
- iNaturalist, “Thyreocoridae taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/133023 (accessed 2026-10-06)