The firebug is easily recognizable due to its striking red and black coloration. The bright red color warns birds not to eat it because its gland produces a nasty smelling substance.
The firebug has a body length of up to 12 mm, and body width up to 5 mm. The typical lifespan of a firebug is between 1 and 2 years. Contrary to its Latin name, Pyrrhocoris apterus, that suggests that the firebug is wingless, the species does have wings but is unable to fly.
The firebug in my photograph was captured in our garden.