This extremely interesting insect is called "Firebug", or "Two-spot Smith". He is a frequent visitor to parks, forests and gardens where a tree called Lipa grows.
The nickname "tram driver" comes from the fact that the insect has a bright red color, and during the breeding season it is attached to the female abdomen. He can stay in this state for hours, moving at the same time. Then it resembles coupled tram carriages.
It is a completely harmless insect belonging to the bug family. When we touch it, it starts to emit an unpleasant-smelling substance designed to scare off the attacker.
Another way to target an attacker, who are mostly birds, is to stay in a group. Its bright red warning color in large crowds signals the birds of danger, and they avoid such places.
These particular specimens have chosen a feeding place on the park bench. This is not a coincidence, because the bench is placed under a large linden tree. Lime, in turn, is the main component of the Firebugs diet, and more precisely its fruits, which fall off in the fall. Apart from the fact that it is not a pest, the Firebug is also useful, because it breaks down organic residues. So if we have it in the garden, there is no need to fight it.
This insect is extremely thermophilic. As soon as the sun comes out, it goes out, usually in a whole group, and basks in it. Some insects have wings but do not use them.
😉 Enjoy
