Large Milkweed Bug

This bug feeds on members of the milkweed family especially the genus Asclepias.  It has piercing-sucking mouthparts which it uses to suck out fluids from its host plant.  It is unaffected by the bitter alkaloids and uses them secondarily for its own protection from predators.  The bright red and black colors are a warning to preditors.  Photos by Laurel Woodley