Large Milkweed Bug (Nymph)
Scientific Name: Oncopeltus fasciatus
Order & Family: Hemiptera: Lygaeidae
Size: 3 mm as early nymphs up to 18 mm as adults
Natural Habitat
Found on milkweed plants in gardens, fields, and meadows across North America.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on milkweed seeds, but also consumes nectar and occasionally other insects.
Behavior Patterns
Gregarious in early stages; they undergo incomplete metamorphosis (5 instars). They sequester toxins from milkweed for defense.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; minor pests to milkweed collectors, but they do not cause significant damage to the plant's health.
Identified on: 6/12/2026