This insect was found in Pune, India near a Bauhinia variegata (orchid tree). I think it's a bug. What species is it?
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$\begingroup$ It may be a nymph of a bigger local bug. $\endgroup$– bandybabboonJul 31, 2018 at 23:13
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$\begingroup$ Id say press it, see what it pees, if it isnt deadly and its a bit hot and bitter, then its probably a "CAFARD" NYMPH. cafard is french.dunno eng word sry. $\endgroup$– bandybabboonAug 4, 2018 at 19:40
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1 Answer
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This is one of the last instars of a bug nymph from the genus Erthesina (Family : Pentatomidae). There are two common species, but according to David Rider, the only species in India is Erthesina acuminata (Source here, also for the image).
You can recognize it from other bug nymphs by its grayish colour and the distinctive orange patterns on its back. Also, the base of the last antennal segment (where it turns from grey to black) should be orange, but we cannot see it on the picture.
These bugs are phytophagous, and quite generalist. They are phloem-feeding insects that feed from leaves, stems and fruits of various species of trees.
Fore more proper classification and identification of Indian bugs, you can look at:
Ahmad, I., Memon, N., & Kamaluddin, S. (2004). A Revision of Hayline Stink Bug Genus Erthesina Spinola (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae) and Their Clasdistics. Pak. J. Zool, 36, 285Ğ293.
Salini, S., & Viraktamath, C. A. (2015). Genera of Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Pentatomoidea) from south India—an illustrated key to genera and checklist of species. Zootaxa, 3924(1), 1-76.
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$\begingroup$ This is exactly the caliber answer that we want to see on this site -- great explanation, informative, reputable sources, easy-to-read formatting, clear picture, etc. Great job! Please keep up the good work! :) $\endgroup$ Feb 4, 2019 at 23:39
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$\begingroup$ Thank you for this very encouraging comment! I'll do my best ;-) $\endgroup$– KjianFeb 5, 2019 at 11:44