Question
QUESTION: I live in San Antonio Tx. I noticed both last and this year in March/April bugs on our Crepe Myrtle and our Oleanders. It's a 1/4 inch in length is elongated quadrangullar in shape  - 1/8 th inch wide and the back is bright red. We get infestations of worms with the first new growth on the Crepe Myrtle. Less so when oil dormant spray is used in Dec/Jan. Also Sevin kills them.
But they are voracious when they appear and must be caught quickly.
Q -What are the red bugs? Are they related to the worms? And will the red bugs (if not related to the worms, harm the Crepe Myrtle &/or the Oleanders.
h4

ANSWER: Robert:
A picture of these critters could be of great help.  Can you take a closeup of one and send to me?  Try to get as close as you can.  Be sure to review it on your computer to be sure it is in focus before sending. I can show it to a colleague of mine who is a bug person and may be able to ID.

Thanks
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry, but they are gone. I have a bug book for Texas and they are not in it. But the description is quite easy 1/4 in long, 1/8 in wide and shiny bright red back. And there ar eabunch of them. but around for only 2-3 weeks March or early April. They are flying insects.
Will have to wait till next year but they are exactly like I have described them. the brightness of the red is striking.
thanks RBG

Answer
Robert:
No problem. You can send a photo anytime. You can always check your next door neighbor's plants for these insects. In many cases insects often have natural predators that keep their populations manageable, so they aren't around long enough to cause sustained significant damage.

Anyway, send a photo when you have a chance. I have a colleague who is an entomologist who can probably ID quite easy from a good photo.

Regards
Steve