The Butterflyweed is in full bloom and the bright orange
flowers have attracted a collection of Small Milkweed Bugs, Lygaeus
kalmii. When I was in school, I raised
Milkweed Bugs by the bucketful for the entomology lab, but I prefer to see them
individually in the wild.
Milkweed bugs are seed eaters known for their ability to eat
milkweed seeds right through the thick seed pod wall. Their long piercing mouth parts are highly
effective at reaching those hidden seeds.
The fact that an adult is present this early in the season, suggests
that they are not totally dependent on seeds for their sustenance.
This individual was busily probing the base of the
flowers. The target may have been nectar
or material from the ovary. This species
visits many species of milkweeds, but its coloring seems especially suited to
the Butterflyweed.
It’s fortunate that the bugs can survive on other milkweed
components besides the seeds. It’s going
to be awhile before any seed pods are available.
By the time seed pods form, these adults will be laying eggs
and preparing to raise a family. If they
are successful, seed pods may be completely covered by orange and black
nymphs. Milkweed bugs are attractive and
fascinating creatures. I hope to see a
lot of them this year.
