Oncopeltus sanguineolentus

Blood-colored Milkweed Bug

Oncopeltus sanguineolentus, the blood-colored , is a in the found in Central and North America. The belongs to the same as the well-studied (), but has received less scientific attention. Like , it is associated with milkweed plants and exhibits aposematic coloration warning of chemical defenses.

Oncopeltus sanguineolentus by (c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Millie Basden. Used under a CC-BY license.Oncopeltus sanguineolentus by (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oncopeltus sanguineolentus: /ˌɒŋkəˈpɛltəs ˌsæŋɡwɪniˈɒləntəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from the by coloration; O. sanguineolentus has more extensive red or blood-colored markings, while O. fasciatus displays bold orange and black banding. Specific diagnostic features require examination of specimens.

Images

Habitat

Associated with plants (Asclepias spp.), which serve as food source and site.

Distribution

Central America and North America; recorded from the United States and Mexico.

Diet

Seeds of plants; and use to penetrate seed pods, inject digestive , and consume liquefied contents.

Host Associations

  • Asclepias - Seeds consumed by and

Ecological Role

Member of complex with other -feeding ; sequesters cardiac glycosides from milkweed, making it distasteful to .

Similar Taxa

  • Oncopeltus fasciatus with similar biology and ; distinguished by orange and black versus blood-red coloration

More Details

Taxonomic status

Listed as synonym of Oncopeltus sanguinolentus in some sources; nomenclatural resolution needed

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Sources and further reading