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2016-13-01
Insects
Picasso bug
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Small creatures
Wildlife
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wildlife reports

Creatures Great & Small: Picasso Bug

If ever there was a creature that was the perfect complement to the vibrant colour palette of Singita Pamushana Lodge, then the Picasso bug is it!

Picasso bug at Singita Pamushana Lodge

This living objet d'art fits right in with the boldly patterned lodge that draws decor inspiration from the local Shangaan culture, with richly coloured fabrics, heavy wood furniture, beading, African frescos and distinctly patterned walls.

Singita Pamushana Lodge

These patterns are remarkably similar to the zig-zag paint effect on the back of the Picasso bug, a type of shield-backed jewel bug closely related to stink bugs. They are found in more tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, feeding on the nectar and internal juices of a wide variety of plants with their proboscis. Their stunning markings caused early biologists to remark that it appeared as if they had been painted by Picasso himself which inspired the common name for this dazzling little bug.

Picasso bug at Singita Pamushana Lodge

These photos of the delightful Picasso bug first appeared in a Wildlife Report from Singita Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe. These fascinating bush journals are written and photographed by our field guides and published monthly on our site - you can subscribe to our blog using the form on the right to see more.

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