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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