Red Milkweed Beetles Emerging & Mating
Milkweed has many insect visitors and among the most common are longhorn beetles (Tetraopes spp.) Eight species of these beetles use milkweed as a host plant. The pictured Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) feeds on milkweed leaves as an adult, after overwintering as a larva underground where it eats milkweed stems and roots.
Although disturbing wildlife is not something one should make a habit of, I can’t resist picking up a Red Milkweed Beetle when I first spot one each summer. When held they rub together rough spots on their thorax, making a high-pitched squeaking sound and at times they also are known to purr. (Resources: Milkweed, Monarchs and More by Rea, Oberhauser and Quinn; Milkweed Visitors by Holland)
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Second Generation Calico Paint Moth Larvae Feeding & Resting
In the Northeast, Calico Paint Moths (Cucullia convexipennis), also called Brown-hooded Owlets, produce two generations a summer. The larvae of the first generation mature in July, and the second generation matures from late August into October. Calico Paint larvae are often found on aster and goldenrod plants, resting on stems (often head down) in plain sight during the day. First generation larvae feed on the leaves and the second generation consumes the flowers of these plants. The comparatively drab, brown adult moths they turn into can often be found on Wild Bergamot and Common Milkweed flowers in the early evening. (Thanks to Joan Waltermire for photo op.)
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