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Common Milkweed Bug

Common Milkweed Bug

Lygaeus kalmii

A species of Lygaeus, Also known as Small milkweed bug complex

The Lygaeus kalmii, also known as the common Milkweed Bug, likes to lay its eggs on milkweed in spring. It is easily recognized by the appearance. The black with broad band on forewings, forming an obvious "X" shaped mark. The larvae feed on not only seeds, but also other smaller insects. Adults are vegetarians.

General Info About Common Milkweed Bug
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Attributes of Common Milkweed Bug
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common Milkweed Bug is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Common Milkweed Bug feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Common Milkweed Bug
It is found in Central America and North America.
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Life Cycle of Common Milkweed Bug
Egg The egg stage yields small, typically barrel-shaped eggs. Eggs are often laid in clusters and can be various colors, blending with the substrate to avoid predation.
Nymph The first nymphal stage, or instar, resembles the adult common Milkweed Bug but lacks wings. The nymph is usually smaller and can be a different color, feeding on similar food as adults.
With each molt, the common Milkweed Bug nymph grows larger. Wing pads begin to form, heralding the developing wing structures, although they are not yet functional for flight.
In this stage, the nymph's wing pads are more prominent. The nymph is larger and its color may start to resemble the adult common Milkweed Bug more closely.
The final nymph stage features larger wing pads and nearly adult-like proportions. The coloration now closely matches the adult and the nymph is more active.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult common Milkweed Bug has fully formed wings and reproductive organs. The body is hardened, the coloration is definitive, and it is focused on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Common Milkweed Bug
1.1 - 1.2 cm
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Predators of Common Milkweed Bug Larvae
Birds, rodents, larger predatory insects, spiders
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Predators of Adult Common Milkweed Bug
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, larger insects
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Interesting Facts About Common Milkweed Bug
The 'common Milkweed Bug' can survive harsh winters by entering diapause, a state of suspended development, which allows it to resume its lifecycle once conditions improve.
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Scientific Classification of Common Milkweed Bug
Tips for Finding Common Milkweed Bug
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Youth Habitat of Common Milkweed Bug
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Common Milkweed Bug Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common Milkweed Bug are typically deposited on the underside of host plant leaves. Nymphs upon hatching, remain close to the egg-laying sites, foraging for food and undergoing molts on the host plants. Adults of common Milkweed Bug have developed wings and are more mobile, often found on or near various milkweed species, which serve as their primary food source. When searching for different life stages of common Milkweed Bug, one would scour the host plants in fields, meadows, or prairies, flipping leaves for eggs, inspecting stems and leaves for nymphs, and observing flowers and leaves for adults.
Are Common Milkweed Bug harmful?
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Usually, the common Milkweed Bug won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Common Milkweed Bug harmful to humans?

The long bug does not bite or sting. They have a colorful appearance, used to warn other creatures: "I am poisonous, don't eat me!" Fortunately, the alert color and toxins are prepared for predators. People are only in contact with their body surfaces, only disgusted by the smell of the smelly liquid they secrete, and there is no risk of poisoning.
Harmful Effects of Common Milkweed Bug
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Hurt Plant

Once common Milkweed Bug infests a plant, both adults and nymphs engage in feeding from various plant organs, notably leaves, stems, and fruits. They extract plant fluids, often resulting in wilting, yellowing, and potentially severe damage to the host plant, with no preference for specific plant types.

More Effects of Common Milkweed Bug

Common Questions People Also Ask
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