Head to head
Firebug vs Milkweed Bug
Firebug
VS Milkweed Bug
The firebug of Europe and the milkweed bug of North America are two seed-feeding true bugs with bold warning colours that gather in groups.
| Firebug | Milkweed Bug | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pyrrhocoris apterus | Oncopeltus fasciatus |
| Colour | A vivid red body marked with black spots and a pattern on the back | A bold pattern of orange and black across the body |
| Diet | Mainly the seeds of lime trees and mallows, pierced with a needle-like beak, and also dead insects | Almost exclusively the seeds of milkweed plants, pierced with a needle-like mouthpart |
| Defence | Warning colours that advertise a bad taste to predators | Tolerates and stores toxic cardenolides from milkweed in its own body, signalled by its warning colours |
| Grouping | Forms large groups at the base of lime trees and in sunny, sheltered spots | Gathers in groups on milkweed plants, particularly around developing seed pods |
| Notable fact | Pairs often remain joined back to back for hours or even days while mating, and many individuals are wingless or short-winged | Commonly reared in classrooms and laboratories because it is easy to keep and has a short life cycle |
| Range | Sunny gardens, parks, and woodland edges across southern and central Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, and rare in Britain | Grassland and open habitat across a broad range of North America, wherever milkweed grows |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated globally | Least Concern |
Firebug vs Milkweed Bug: common questions
Which bug eats milkweed?
The milkweed bug, which feeds almost exclusively on milkweed seeds and stores the plant's toxins in its own body.
Why are firebugs found joined together?
Pairs often remain joined back to back for hours or even days while mating.
Why are both brightly coloured?
Their bold red or orange and black colours are a warning to predators that they taste bad.