Lygaeus reclivatus

Say, 1825

Southern Small Milkweed Bug

Lygaeus reclivatus is a in the Lygaeidae, found in Central America and North America. It is commonly known as the Southern Small Milkweed . The was described by Thomas Say in 1825. Two are recognized: L. r. enotus and the nominate L. r. reclivatus.

Lygaeus reclivatus by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Small Milkweed Bug - Lygaeus reclivatus - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Milkweed bug dives in (15195625434) by Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lygaeus reclivatus: /lɪˈdʒiː.əs rɛˌklɪˈveɪtəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Central America and North America. GBIF records confirm presence in Middle America and North America.

Similar Taxa

Lygaeus kalmiiBoth are small milkweed bugs in the same with similar coloration. L. kalmii (Small Milkweed ) is found across virtually the entire U.S. and southern Canada, while L. reclivatus is restricted to southern regions. L. kalmii has a red basal spot or vertical bar on the , whereas L. turcicus (False Milkweed Bug) has a Y-shaped marking.
Lygaeus turcicusSimilar appearance but feeds on false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) rather than milkweed. Distinguished by Y-shaped marking on and fewer white markings on wing .

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Catalogue of Life lists Lygaeus reclivatus as an 'ambiguous synonym' under a classification that places it within Lygaeus kalmii angustomarginatus. However, GBIF and NCBI treat it as an accepted . iNaturalist recognizes it as a distinct species with the 'Southern Small Milkweed '.

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Lygaeus reclivatus enotus Say, 1831 and Lygaeus reclivatus reclivatus Say, 1825.