This bug grows up to 1/2 inch long. The adult is black with a red “X” pattern on its wings, resulting in a black heart-shaped pattern. The very similar False Milkweed Bug (Lagaeus turcicus) shows two black overlapping triangles. The nymph, not yet photographed, is similar to the nymph of the Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus). Both adults and nymphs feed on the juices of milkweed.
This bug is fairly common in our two nature centers where milkweed grows, but not quite as common as the Large Milkweed Bug.
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