European Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus)

OTHER NAMES: Firebug, Linden Bug, Red Soldier Bug
Latin Etymology: Pyrrhocoris ("fire bug") apterus ("wingless")

 

Nymph European Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) at Paris, France - July 2026

Featured Subspecies: ?
Weight: ?  /  Length: 8.5-10mm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A striking and visually distinctive bug originating in Continental Europe, although it has spread around the world as an invasive species. They feed upon lime trees and mallows where they sometimes congregate in great numbers. They long had a tiny isolated population in Devon in the UK, but seem to be expanding their range.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Pyrrhococoridae
Genus: Pyrrhocoris
SUBSPECIES: ?
 
- Sighting Locations -

FRANCE 
A widespread non-native species.
- PARIS 2026 TRIP: Several seen.

SPAIN 

A widespread resident
 - MADRID 2016 TRIP: A single individual at Laguna Campillo 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto