butterfly milkweed has bugs (lots)

[Carol Dee]

The butterfly milkweed is COVERED in these. Any idea what they are? Harmful or helpful insect. They are soft bodies, no wings (yet?) .

 

[Larisa]

Oncopeltus fasciatus. This stage of "nymph". Oncopeltus fastsiatus eat oily seeds. They suck them to their proboscis. Moisture these bugs are obtained from young stems of grass. I do not know what harm they bring to the garden for you. Here, nature lovers grow it in a terrarium. As food for reptiles.

 

[Carol Dee]

A-ha! That would have been my 1st guess, but I was too lazy to look it up. I figured one of my smart TEG friends would know right away! Thanks @Larisa

 

[spookybird]

I had lots of them last yr. I did a lot of squishing and dumping in soapy water.
They are also called milkweed beetle. I have them this yr but not as many.

I have more aphids on all my milkweed plants this yr. YUCK

 

[Carol Dee]

I had lots of them last yr. I did a lot of squishing and dumping in soapy water.
They are also called milkweed beetle. I have them this yr but not as many.

I have more aphids on all my milkweed plants this yr. YUCK

Do milkweed beetles eat aphids?

 

[spookybird]

No.