Milkweed Bug vs Triatoma rubida

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Milkweed Bug Triatoma rubida
Scientific Name Oncopeltus fasciatus Triatoma rubida
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Lygaeidae Reduviidae
Size 10-13 mm 18-22 mm
Habitat Grasslands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Seed Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions North America, Central America Southwestern United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Milkweed Bug

A medium-sized bug with bold orange-red and black warning coloration. It feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides for its own defense.

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Did You Know?

This bug has become a widely used laboratory model organism because it is easy to rear, has no diapause requirement, and displays clear warning coloration.

Triatoma rubida

A reddish-brown kissing bug found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It frequently enters homes and its bite can cause severe allergic reactions.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly reported triatomine species entering homes in Arizona.