Monday, June 30, 2014

Red Milkweed Beetle


This year we are hosting at least one Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus, I believe).  Up close, they sort of look like some type of deranged teddy bear.  This individual has been feasting on swamp milkweed, seriously stunting the plant.

-Tom

3 comments:

  1. What a terrific photo of this fascinating beetle. I love Milkweed Beetles! They are so colorful. I read once that in order to prevent the latex sap from gluing their jaws shut, they nip the veins upstream from where they are feeding. Ain't nature grand?

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    Replies
    1. That's really cool Jackie. Another friend on Facebook said that if you hold one, they'll make some type of sound... Now, I've just got to find this little bugger again.

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  2. Wow: what an exciting bug--quite the stunning color combo. =)

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