HemipteraLygaeidae – Seed Bugs3 data sources

Small Milkweed Bug

Lygaeus kalmii

This record describes Lygaeus kalmii (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Small Milkweed Bug - Lygaeus kalmii
Recorded characteristics
Activity terms
  • flying
Other recorded terms
  • spot
  • heart
  • V
  • X
  • group
  • cluster
  • garden pest

Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.

Wikipedia reference for Lygaeus kalmii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lygaeus_kalmii.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Heteroptera
Superfamily
Lygaeoidea
Family
Lygaeidae (Seed Bugs)
Subfamily
Lygaeinae
Genus
Lygaeus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lygaeus kalmii. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.

Ecological role of the group

Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.

Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Small Milkweed Bug (10)

Small Milkweed Bug - photo 1
Small Milkweed Bug - photo 2
Small Milkweed Bug - photo 3
Small Milkweed Bug - photo 4
Small Milkweed Bug - photo 5
Small Milkweed Bug - photo 6
Small Milkweed Bug - photo 7
Small Milkweed Bug - photo 8