The Small Milkweed Bug is a brightly red-and-black patterned seed bug that feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides, making it unpalatable to predators — its aposematic coloration serves as a warning. It overwinters as an adult and is commonly found in large aggregations on milkweed seed pods in summer. It is much smaller than the Large Milkweed Bug.
Best time to see a Small Milkweed Bug
The best time to see a Small Milkweed Bug is June–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 30,331 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Small Milkweed Bug? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Small Milkweed Bug sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Small Milkweed Bug? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Small Milkweed Bug is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.