A firebug’s life can be somewhat trying. Finding a mate is good for the maintenance of the species, but walking with your partner for a week is a little trying, although this does not seem to bother the female. Reading up on the subject, it seems the females are not very choosy, and may mate with a few males, storing their sperm. Being no expert, I do not know what the idea is, but there are always enough firebugs in my garden. The species seems to be developing well. They are the first insects I see during the year and also the last. Seems to me the idea of having a partner is quite fashionable amongst firebugs.