Small Milkweed Bug
Lygaeus kalmii
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
- Superfamily: Lygaeoidea
- Family: Lygaeidae
- Subfamily: Lygaeinae
- Genus: Lygaeus
- Species: kalmii
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lygaeus kalmii: /laɪˈdʒiːəs ˈkælmi.aɪ/
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Summary
Lygaeus kalmii, or the small milkweed bug, is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae found in North and Central America. It is recognized by its distinctive coloration and feeding behavior.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are dark gray to black with a broad orange or red X-shaped band on forewings; head black with a dull red spot on top; pronotum has a red transverse band bordered by black spots and semicircular lobes. Nymphs are initially all red, developing black spots and diagonal markings with age.
Identification Tips
Look for the characteristic black and red coloration with X-shaped forewings. Nymphs are fully red with developing black markings.
Habitat
Fields, meadows containing milkweed and other flowers.
Distribution
Widely distributed across the United States and southeastern Canada, except the southeastern US; specific subspecies found in different regions.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on nectar from various herbaceous plants and milkweed seeds; may also scavenge or prey on other insects.
Life Cycle
One or more generations per year; adults overwinter. Eggs are laid on milkweed in spring.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid on milkweed (Asclepias spp.) in spring, and females are receptive year-round.
Predators
Honey bees, monarch caterpillars, pupae, and dogbane beetles.
Ecosystem Role
Important for pollination and as part of the food chain.
Misconceptions
Commonly confused with other black and red or orange insects.
Tags
- Lygaeus kalmii
- Small Milkweed Bug
- Insect
- Hemiptera
- Pollinator