ExploreInsects

Red Milkweed Beetle

Tetraopes tetrophthalmus

The Red Milkweed Beetle is a bright red bug that loves to munch on milkweed plants. Its shiny color helps it stand out in nature, and it plays an important role in the ecosystem.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Red Milkweed Beetle has a striking bright orange or red body with contrasting black spots on its wing covers and underside. Its most distinctive feature is its long, black antennae, which are often as long as its body. This vibrant coloration makes it visually distinct from other beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCerambycidaeGenusTetraopes
Red Milkweed Beetle
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Red Milkweed Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Baby milkweed beetles live underground for months, munching on roots!

If scared, a Red Milkweed Beetle might drop to the ground and play dead!

These beetles have special claws to grip milkweed plants, even on windy days!

They are part of the 'longhorn' beetle family, named for their super-long antennae!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Taste Defense

Red Milkweed Beetle can eat poisonous milkweed, absorbing the toxins to make themselves taste bad to predators.

Ability

Bright Warning

Red Milkweed Beetle has vivid red and black markings that signal to predators, 'Don't eat me, I'm yucky!'

Ability

Root Muncher

Red Milkweed Beetle larvae have strong mandibles that help them chew and feed on milkweed roots underground.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-30 mm
Size
8-15 mm
Lifespan
14-28 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This beetle munches exclusively on milkweed plants, from leaves to roots!

Age differences: Larvae feed on milkweed roots underground, while adult beetles consume the leaves, stems, and sometimes pollen.

Primary Foods

  • Asclepias syriaca
  • Asclepias incarnata
  • Asclepias tuberosa

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch these beetles from a distance and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Milkweed Beetle's wingspan?

15-30 mm

How big is Red Milkweed Beetle?

8-15 mm

How long does Red Milkweed Beetle live?

14-28 days

What does Red Milkweed Beetle eat?

This beetle munches exclusively on milkweed plants, from leaves to roots!

Where is Red Milkweed Beetle usually found?

Grasslands

How does Red Milkweed Beetle hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Red Milkweed Beetle have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects