Crusader Bug

Morphology

This species is identified by the pale yellow cross on the hemelytra. Males can be distinguished from females by their longer hind femora and spines on the hind tibia and the yellow tips of their antennae.

Evolution

Within Australian, this genus only has three described species from it, Mictis caja, M. difficilis, and, M. profana.

Behaviour

Mating interactions appear to be ritualised. Within this species, mating is always initiated by the male whereby he approaches a female, and attempts to mount her dorsum. It is known that females are prone to resist mating attempts by raising her hind-legs, kicking and attempting to flee. Once on a female’s back, the male will proceed with a deliberate display of motions above and alongside the female in order to court her into copula. Males are also known to combat each other, as a way of potentially securing territory or a mate by jousting with their hind-legs or by tightly embracing each other and alternating between squeezing and striking their opponent’s dorsum with their hind-limbs and vigorously thrashing side to side.

Method of reproduction

Sexual

Habitat

Terrestrial

Found throughout Australia and into the Pacific, this insect is encountered in various habitat types, from urban areas to coastal heaths and semi-arid scrubland. Its hosts include native and introduced plants, where it feeds on fruits and new growth. In Australia, it attacks citrus, cowpeas, green gram, Eucalyptus, Acaica and Cassia. Other host records include camphor laurel, grapes, Jacksonia, pawpaw, Peltophorum, plumbago and rose.

Distribution

Occurs throughout the Australian mainland, as well as on several Pacific islands. 

Life Cycle

Crusader bugs can live for 3.5 months, and their life cycle from egg to adult is complete in 38 days.