All grown up

Photo by Ned Harris 8/9/2015

Adult Giant Mesquite Bug on - you guessed it - mesquite fruits (specifically, those of Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina). The Giant Mesquite Bug has different coloring as a nymph. It's possible that the red serves as a warning to predators (like birds, who can see colors), giving the nymphs a greater chance of survival to adulthood. The adults (as above) have wings, of course. And wings give one the opportunity for escape, as well as the opportunity to better find a mate.