Small Milkweed Bug vs Alpine Assassin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Milkweed Bug | Alpine Assassin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lygaeus kalmii | Coranus subapterus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lygaeidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 9-12 mm body length |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Alps, Mediterranean mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Milkweed Bug
A boldly patterned red-and-black seed bug that feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides. Its warning coloration advertises its chemical defense to predators.
Did You Know?
It stores milkweed toxins in its body, making it taste terrible to birds and other predators that try to eat it.
Alpine Assassin Bug
A predatory bug of dry alpine and montane grasslands. It ambushes prey with its powerful raptorial forelegs.
Did You Know?
It has short wings and rarely flies, relying on stealth to catch prey on the ground.