Though they look like beetles, jewel bugs are beautifully-coloured insects that belong to the Scutelleridae family. In this group, the ‘scutellum’ — which is a small triangular structure present between the wings of all bugs — completely covers the abdomen and the wings of the insect.

Jewel bugs have long, jointed antennae and mouths made for piercing and sucking as they feed mostly on plant juice. Jewel bugs usually lay their eggs on leaves, and the nymphs (babies) stay together most of the time. Jewel bugs are not very active and if they feel bothered or disturbed, they usually drop down to the ground and produce an offensive odour.

They can be distinguished from other bugs by their scutellum, which covers their abdomen and wings. Their body is roughly 12 millimeters long.