Lygaeus kalmii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hemiptera |
Suborder: | Heteroptera |
Family: | Lygaeidae |
Genus: | Lygaeus |
Species: | L. kalmii
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Binomial name | |
Lygaeus kalmii
Stål, 1874
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Lygaeus kalmii, known as the small milkweed bug or common milkweed bug, is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is found in Central and North America. [1] [2] [3]
Lygaeus kalmii was first formally named in 1874 by Swedish entomologist Carl Stål in his Enumeratio Hemipterorum. [4] [3]
There are two recognized subspecies: [3]
Young nymphs of Lygaeus kalmii are initially fully red, developing black diagonal markings on the pronotum. Adults are orange to red and gray/black, reaching 10 to 12 mm (0.39 to 0.47 in) in length. The head is black with a red spot in the center. The forewings are patterned with a black heart inside of an orange-red X which does not meet in the middle. [2] [5]
The membranous portion of the forewings in the eastern subspecies Lygaeus kalmii angustomarginatus has a narrow white margin, while that of the western L. k. kalmii has white spots and a broader margin. [2]
The small milkweed bug is commonly confused with other black and red or orange insects, including Oncopeltus fasciatus, Lygaeus turcicus, and Lygaeus reclivatus. [6]
Lygaeus kalmii angustomarginatus is found in north temperate regions of North America and is not a migratory insect. [7] Only adults overwinter and they do not begin reproduction until the following April. Females are receptive to males in all seasons. [8] The eggs are laid on milkweed ( Asclepias spp.) in the spring. [2]
Small milkweed bugs' primary sources of nutrients are flower nectar and milkweed seeds. If these food sources are limited, they may feed on other insects. [9]