Shaw Nature Reserve Part 10
We also saw some cool stuff on some milkweed on the way out. The first were some type of caterpillars that I’ve seen before and were told what they were, but I don’t remember now!
The other is a red beetle that I’ve seen at home too and I’ve been curious about what they are. Any one know?
on August 14th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
The beetle is the common milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) – it breeds exclusively in the living roots of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). There are several other species of Tetraopes in Missouri – all are restricted to certain species of Asclepias.
p.s. I live ~10 miles from Shaw Nature Reserve 😉
on November 9th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
They’re milkweed tussock moth caterpillars (Euchaetes egle).
on April 14th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Thanks both of you! I would never have figured out what they were without your help!