Six-spotted Milkweed Bug
Oncopeltus sexmaculatus
This record describes Oncopeltus sexmaculatus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
O. cayensis (so. FL) lack white membranal spot
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
- Oncopeltus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX to C. America (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Milkweed - Asclepias spp. (Asclepiadaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oncopeltus sexmaculatus Stål 1874
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Oncopeltus sexmaculatus. 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.
Photos of Six-spotted Milkweed Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Six-spotted Milkweed Bug
What is Six-spotted Milkweed Bug?
Six-spotted Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus sexmaculatus) is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Six-spotted Milkweed Bug?
15-18 mm
How do you identify Six-spotted Milkweed Bug?
O. cayensis (so. FL) lack white membranal spot
Where is Six-spotted Milkweed Bug found?
Range: TX to C. America (BG data)
What does Six-spotted Milkweed Bug eat?
The diet of the Six-spotted Milkweed Bug includes Milkweed - Asclepias spp. (Asclepiadaceae).