CLOSED: ID for this reclusive bug? Good or Bad?

podster Deep East Texas, TX(Zone 8a) Oct 05, 2009

I've been watching these reclusive bugs all summer and finally snagged a fairly clear photo of one. Of course, they were mating so didn't run and hide.

They are the size of the common boxelder bug. They have spent the summer on my Hoyas and Stapelia plants. It would appear they are dining on aphids and mealies. When I walk up to the plants, they run to hide under leaves and sometimes I have found clusters of them.

I would love to know what they are and are they as good as I think they are?

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Oct 05, 2009

Interesting, as these appear to be large milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/dl62u7 for images and more information. They are not predaceous, but feed on the developing seeds of milkweed (Asclepias sp.).

Post #7137503

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podster Deep East Texas, TX(Zone 8a) Oct 05, 2009

That is a great link ~ thank you! Yes, without a doubt, that is this bug. The Hoyas have a milky sap and may actually be in the milkweed family. I'm not sure but will research. I just thought they ate the aphids as my Hoyas were besieged by aphids this summer.

On the Stapelias, I have been fighting mealies and did find them sitting near mealies. Maybe coincidental? The photo above was on a Stapelia stem. Very interesting, I will have to research more ~ thanks again!! pod

Post #7138648

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podster Deep East Texas, TX(Zone 8a) Oct 11, 2009

The connection on these bugs and these plants ~ the Hoyas and the Stapelia plants are both in the Asclepiad family as are the milkweed plants. Very interesting. I appreciate your information Suunto!

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