Red Milkweed Beetle vs African Armyworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Milkweed Beetle African Armyworm
Scientific Name Tetraopes tetrophthalmus Spodoptera exempta
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cerambycidae Noctuidae
Size 9-14 mm 28-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Red Milkweed Beetle

A bright red beetle with black spots, exclusively associated with common milkweed. Its antennae bisect its compound eyes, giving it four apparent eyes.

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Did You Know?

Its scientific name means 'four eyes, four eyes,' referring to how antennae split each eye in two.

African Armyworm

A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.

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Did You Know?

A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.