This bug, about 1/2 inch long, looks very similar to the Small Milkweed Bug (Lygaeus kalmii) and has in the past often been misidentified, even by the experts. We base our identification on the images and discussions found on the web site: BugGuide. The pattern of red on its top (dorsal) side results in overlapping black triangles, compared to a black, heart-shaped pattern found on the Small Milkweed Bug.
The abundance of this species in our two nature centers is unknown at this time. Because of the similarity with a closely related bug, it may have been overlooked in the past.
The food plant for this bug is false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), rather than milkweeds.
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