What is this bug - Ask Extension
My milkweed produced pods after many years of self seeding & expansion. These bugs showed up clustering on the pod. They grew larger. Are they ben...
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What is this bug #360319
Asked September 06, 2016, 7:18 PM EDT
My milkweed produced pods after many years of self seeding & expansion. These bugs showed up clustering on the pod. They grew larger. Are they beneficial or harmful.
AS I did not plant this milkweed & it does not attract Monarchs should I pulled them. They are crowding out my hosts.
Thank You
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
You have the large milkweed bug. It feeds on the seeds of milkweed. The seeds they feed on do not reproduce. If this is the native milkweed, it is indeed the host for monarchs. However, if you wish to pull this plant and have others, please do so as there will be enough seeds to survive to multiply. Make sure to check for chrysalis before you do.
