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Small Milkweed Bug

Small Milkweed Bug (Lygaeus kalmii), is a True Bug (order Hemiptera), in the family Lygaeidae (Seed Bugs), Subfamily Lygaeinae. The adult is about 10-12 mm long and colored orange and black. The Nymph has red abdomen, which develops black spots with age; wingpads black; pronotum red with two black diagonal markings. They have a long rostrum which they use for piercing and feeding. Both adults and nymphs feed on milkweed seeds and milkweed plant juices. They also feed on nectar and Juices of other plants. I often observe them on my chilli and ashwagandha plants, but not sure about the damage they do.

Small Milkweed Bug
Small Milkweed Bug
Small Milkweed Bug
Small Milkweed Bug
Small Milkweed Bug Mating
Small Milkweed Bugs Mating Pair
Small Milkweed Bug Eggs
Small Milkweed Bug Eggs
Small Milkweed Bug Nymph Picture
Small Milkweed Bug Nymph

9 comments:

  1. ElettraJune 17, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    A wonderful example of insect !!!!!!!!!!! Great series of photos !!!!!!!

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  2. KalaJune 17, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    It's a cute and colorful bug. I hope it doesn't do too much damage to your plants though.

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  3. Nature RamblesJune 17, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Not a bug I'm familiar with. But the markings are very beautiful!

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  4. snore stopJune 18, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    This photos very amazing and colorful. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Birdy OfficialJune 19, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Thanks you all for your visit and feedback. It's much appreciated.

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  6. JimmyJune 27, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Hey! Haven't seen milkweed bugs for quite some time now. I guess it's because I haven't been back to village in a while. Good pictures, you could play with the hue and add some blur in the corners of the background to make them look more.. professional. Keep up the good work!

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  7. AnjiJune 27, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Here in France we call them Gendarmes. It's true, you can never find one when you need one!

    Lovely colourful pictures

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  8. Birdy OfficialJune 27, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Thanks Anji for your comment and sharing your knowledge.

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  9. AnonymousAugust 11, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    Very beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete

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