The White-margined Burrower Bug is about .25 inch (4 mm) long. It is black with white dorsal margins. The black antennae have 4 segments. This Burrowing Bug was identified by Tony Palmer and confirmed by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website. The nymphs, which go through 5 instars, are black and red. Adult females provision the nest with developing mint seeds and care for the young in the early instars. The young nymphs are transported on the female’s back.
This Burrower Bug is expected to be common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. The individual shown here was photographed in Fontenelle Forest in mid-April 2014. They are commonly found in fields, woodlands, gardens and lawns with Henbit and Purple Dead Nettle.
This is the only species in the genus Sehirus in North America. The adults emit a volatile secretion from the metathoracic scent glands when disturbed. The nymphs eat seeds of mint plants. The species overwinters as an adult in leaf litter.
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