Insects and Spiders

Milkweed Assassin Bug

This is another new bug that I found at the nature preserve. The milkweed assassin bug gets its name because it looks like the milkweed bug. Most insects that feed on milkweed are bright orange & black to tell predators that they are toxic due to eating the toxic milkweed plant juices. The milkweed assassin bug is not toxic and does not eat milkweed, it is a predator that eats whatever insects it can catch, wherever it can catch them. It is a beneficial insect with it's preference for prey that are considered pests to farmers and gardeners. And it fools predators into thinking it is toxic with the orange & black.
Milkweed Assassin Bug (Zelus longipes)
Rowlett Creek Nature Preserve

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