Consider-the-Lilies Web Gallery
Large Milkweed Bug
I've included the Common Milkweed in the Gallery, because of the flowers and seeds, which are, I believe, worthy of attention just for their own unique beauty.
But the colorful red-orange and black Large Milkweed Bug adds another dimension of interest to this plant. Like the Monarch Butterfly and Dogbane Beetle this insect finds a host and is dependant upon members of the Asclepias family for survival.
The Monarch migrates, of course; but the other denizens of the Milkweed family spend their lives on and around their respective host plant.
Here are nymphs—partway through their successive moltings on the way to maturity—out searching for their favorite food, milkweed seeds, at the base of a withered plant.
You'll notice that the Milkweed Bug, besides favoring the same plant, shares the same color scheme as the Monarch Butterfly.
They also share an immunity to the toxic compounds contained in the milky sap of the plant, and because of a buildup of the toxins in their tissues, throughout their life cycle they are not a tasty meal for predators.
Go to the Main Directory to consider more lilies of the field.