It feeds primarily outdoors on alfalfa seeds. The tip of the triangular scutellum projects backwards between the wings and is rounded. Adults are predaceous, feeding on other insects. They are present from May to October and found on tall weeds, along streams and in dense woodlands. Harlequin Bug Adults are easily identified by the irregularly marked black and yellowish or orange color pattern.
Eggs are white with two black bands and a white spot.
Eggs are deposited directly on the leaves of plants, resembling rows of small barrels. They have a Y-shaped head marking and two broad transverse orange bands across the wings. They are common on milkweed plants. The scutellum has three black marks. Also known as nabids, these insects are predaceous in habit, feeding on other insects.