This large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) exhibits the species’ classic orange and blue/black markings. Note the distinct tubelike piercing-sucking mouthparts arising from the front of the head. Click/double click image to enlarge to various degrees.
In spite of the drought, now reported to be the worst U.S. drought in the past fifty years, milkweed is flourishing in many areas throughout east central Illinois. The large milkweed bug shown above was photographed yesterday at the University of Illinois Pollinatarium.
These insects feed on milkweed seeds and tissues, incorporating plant toxins into their own tissues and advertising their bitter taste through their obvious markings and coloration.
Often confused with small milkweed bugs, differences between the two species are explained, as well as shown, at “Differentiating between small milkweed bugs (Lygaeus kalmii) and large milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus).”
[...] regarding the biology of this species can be found in “Large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) populations increasing” and “Differentiating between small milkweed bugs (Lygaeus kalmii) and large milkweed [...]