Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus)

 As I stated in a previous post (see Locust Borer), beetles are fascinating and diverse, with varying diets, habits, sizes, and patterns. Well, the subject of this post will be the Red Milkweed Beetle, Tetraopes tetrophthalmus. The beetle is of the family Cerambycidae (the Longhorn beetles), which are somewhat known for their interesting and vivid patterns. 

Many people who don't study insects will recognize the foodplant as that of the famous-yet-declining Monarch: Milkweed! However, sometimes, they feed on dogbane when no milkweed is present. These beetles employ a tactic called aposematic coloration,  which is what makes Monarchs so appealing to the eyes. Aposematic coloration, often a combination of red and black, is meant to deter predators by advertising a poisonous nature.  These beetles sequester toxins from milkweed, which is poisonous, as do the Monarch caterpillars. Milkweed gets its name from the fact that it "bleeds milk", or rather a latex-like substance.  Well, the beetles come into contact with as little as possible of this stuff, seeing as they can only absorb small amounts at a time. If the latex gets on the mouthparts of the beetle, they've discovered that they can rub their mouthparts against the leaves or stems of the plant. That way, their mouthparts won't stick together. 

One of the main attractions of milkweed is the flowers. However, these bloom really at certain times of year. So, for most of the year, the beetles feed on leaves, but when the flowers bloom they not only feed on leaves but also drink nectar from the flowers. 

As adults, of course, they have to keep the species going! So, they spend significant amounts of time searching for individuals of the opposite gender to mate with. When that's finished, the female drops to the bottom of a plant and lays eggs at the base. These'll hatch, feed on the roots, and then pupate. Then the cycle starts all over again. 

A Red Milkweed Beetle chillin' on a milkweed leaf. 
Same photo as above, but closer up. 
A really remarkable species of beetle! 



 

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