Villains - Black Banded Mirid and Globe Chamomile, Surprise AZ

by KJ Swan

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Villains - Black Banded Mirid and Globe Chamomile, Surprise AZ

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KJ Swan

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A red villain with a black X on its back, pairs beautifully with a toxic-flower. They make an attractive, highly undesirable and invasive partnership.

Plunging it’s needle-like rostrum into a vulnerable plant, this pesky true-bug, tree bug or leaf bug, feeds on sap. Like a mosquito spreading malaria, the Black Banded Mirid (Oncerometopus nigriclavus) spreads viral diseases infecting its plant-victims.

This Black Banded Mirid is strongly attracted to the little yellow ball-shaped blossoms of the Stinknet plant. This toxic, invasive plant reportedly gives people and pets that touch it, a burn-like rash that may last months. The Glove chamomile is a fire hazard and a concerning invasive species.

This macro image of a female Black Banded Mirid on Globe Chamomile (Oncosiphon pilulifer) was photographed outside Surprise, AZ. The black and red villian is found in southern Arizona and throughout Texas within US borders. It’s also found in Mexico and Central America. The Globe Chamomile is native to South Africa.

(A striking red insect perches delicately atop a vibrant, textured yellow flower. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the intricate details of the insect and flower interaction. The scene captures a moment of nature's exquisite beauty and contrast.)

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August 23rd, 2025

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