Lygaeidae (Lygaeid Bugs, Seed Bugs)
These are medium-sized insects with an angular oval body. Their wings overlap, creating an "X" pattern on the back. They are variably colored brown, red and black, etc. Lygaeid bugs feed on seeds or the sap of grasses. Sometimes they obtain nectar at flowers. A typical example is Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug). It is bright red and black, probably a warning to potential predators of its toxicity.
These are medium-sized insects with an angular oval body. Their wings overlap, creating an "X" pattern on the back. They are variably colored brown, red and black, etc. Lygaeid bugs feed on seeds or the sap of grasses. Sometimes they obtain nectar at flowers. A typical example is Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug). It is bright red and black, probably a warning to potential predators of its toxicity.
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Hilty, J. Editor. 2013. Insect Visitors of Illinois Wildflowers. World Wide Web electronic publication. illinoiswildflowers.info, version (05/2013)
See: Abbreviations for Insect Activities, Abbreviations for Scientific Observers, References for behavioral observations
