Mallotus Harlequin Bugs – Robert Backhouse

Exhibit to 20 July 2015 meeting by Robert Backhouse

Specimens of Mallotus Harlequin Bugs – Cantao parentum infesting Gympie Messmate trees. The beetles are in a clump of Gympie messmate, Eucalyptus cloeziana, planted on our property at Mt Samson. The trees are currently in bud (June) prior to flower burst. Most bud clusters are supporting groups of Mallotus harlequin beetle, Cantao parentum. The photo is of a broken branch as the bud clusters are typically 15 metres above ground level so not obvious from the ground.