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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
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.
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Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
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!
Red Milkweed Beetle can eat poisonous milkweed, absorbing the toxins to make themselves taste bad to predators.
Red Milkweed Beetle has vivid red and black markings that signal to predators, 'Don't eat me, I'm yucky!'
Red Milkweed Beetle larvae have strong mandibles that help them chew and feed on milkweed roots underground.
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.

Asclepias syriaca
larvae eat roots, adults feed on leaves and stems.

Asclepias tuberosa
a primary food source for adult beetles.
Podisus maculiventris
nymphs and adults can prey on Red Milkweed Beetle larvae.
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to watch these beetles from a distance and not touch them.
15-30 mm
8-15 mm
14-28 days
This beetle munches exclusively on milkweed plants, from leaves to roots!
Grasslands
Foraging
6
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Illinois, US
You might spot Wood Duck, Red-Winged Blackbird, and Duck.
View guide →

Illinois, US
You might spot Plants and Red Milkweed Beetle.
View guide →
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Virginia, US
You might spot False Milkweed Bug and Mountain Laurel.
View guide →

New Jersey, US
You might spot Great Egret, Eastern White Pine, and Haircap Moss.
View guide →
Illinois, US
You might spot Illinois Bundleflower, Wild Bergamot, and Cup Plant.
View guide →