These insects are found throughout the Australian mainland, but are absent from Tasmania. They are also found in Indonesia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Crusader bugs feed on a range of native and introduced plants. In the garden they are often seen on citrus plants, but are also particularly common on a variety of native wattles and eucalypts. They have been recorded on camphor laurels, grapes, pawpaws, plumbago and roses.
Adults live for about three and a half months, mating regularly throughout their life span.
Several eggs are laid every five to six days, with only about a third surviving the various larval stages to reach adulthood.