Red Milkweed Beetle vs Sachem Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Milkweed Beetle Sachem Skipper
Scientific Name Tetraopes tetrophthalmus Atalopedes campestris
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cerambycidae Hesperiidae
Size 9-14 mm 25-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Throughout the United States, more common in the south
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Sachem Skipper

A small tawny-orange skipper with a distinctive large dark patch on the male's forewing. Females are darker with more mottled patterns.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most abundant skippers on American lawns, thriving in mowed Bermuda grass.