Small Milkweed Bug vs Relict Himalayan Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Milkweed Bug Relict Himalayan Dragonfly
Scientific Name Lygaeus kalmii Epiophlebia laidlawi
Order Hemiptera Odonata
Family Lygaeidae Epiophlebiidae
Size 10-12 mm 5-6 cm
Habitat Grasslands Mountains
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America India, Nepal, Bhutan
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

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.

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Did You Know?

It stores milkweed toxins in its body, making it taste terrible to birds and other predators that try to eat it.

Relict Himalayan Dragonfly

A living fossil dragonfly from the Himalayas that retains features of both dragonflies and damselflies. It breeds in cold mountain streams above 1800 m.

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Did You Know?

Its family dates back to the Jurassic period, making it one of the most primitive living dragonflies.