What is a group of firebug insects called?
A group of firebugs is called an aggregation of firebugs. Juvenile and immature firebugs form aggregations of tens to hundreds of individuals.
The Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) emits a chemical compound called an aggregation pheromone which is the signal to congregate. It has another chemical compound to signal an alarm if it needs to de-congregate – to scatter.
Location of photographs: Tbilisi, Georgia
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM