Small Milkweed Bug Tie

This tie features the repeating image of a Small Milkweed Bugs ( Lygaeus kalmii) on a black background. This bug is black with orange bands on the forewings that form an “X.” The head is also black with a red spot on the top which often extends to the face. It is theorised that this bright coloured pattern is to warn predators that the insect tastes bad. Milkweed plants contain toxins that the insects take into their bodies when feeding. The insects are not harmed by the toxins, but predators don’t like the taste of the insects, so after tasting a black and orange insect, they learn to leave them alone!