Villains - Black Banded Mirid and Globe Chamomile, Surprise AZ
by KJ Swan
Title
Villains - Black Banded Mirid and Globe Chamomile, Surprise AZ
Artist
KJ Swan
Medium
Photograph
Description
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.)
Uploaded
August 23rd, 2025
Embed
Share
Similar Subjects
Comments
There are no comments for Villains - Black Banded Mirid and Globe Chamomile, Surprise AZ. Click here to post the first comment.




















