Oncopeltus Fasciatus

Adult milkweed bugs and nymphs on a milkweed pod... noticed these while I was mowing for almost 5 hours today.

[Deanna Russell]

Wow a whole family! Great color and dof.

[Kerri]

Awesome shot

[Taffy]

What good spotting. And they are all so clear. Well captured!

[Skip Tribby - ​🖖]

I have seen the insects before, but never knew what they were. Great sharp image!

[👑 AnaZad]

Amazing detail on this macro. I'm impressed that you were mowing for almost 5 hours... !!! Hats off to you.

[Danette Thompson]

Fabulous! I have seen them in my garden but could not identify them. Are they good or bad?

[Jane Pittenger]

Wow, you must be exhausted. I love milkweed pods but have never seen those critters. Great focus

[Scott]

Great macro shot. Five hours... wow!

[Nancy]

nice

[carol white]

Great close up shot!!

[Christine]

Great shot.

[Cathy]

@drussell @kerristephens @taffy @skipt07 @anazad511 @danette @jgpittenger @sbolden @nancy65 @nancy65 @carolmw @chris17
Thanks for all the views and comments... Dannette, the bugs are one of few that can tolerate the toxic compounds found in the milkweed plant, and the toxins they ingest make them taste awful to predators, so they aren't sought after by birds. The article I read said that it helped keep the milkweed plant population in check. And as for mowing 5 hours... I didn't finish. I mow... a LOT!

[Catherine Pace]

i like these bugs - never knew their name before today - we get black and deep orange ones here

[bardejov]

Great close up and interesting info. I had those bugs on my milkweed plant and they pretty much devoured all the leaves. I was not happy.