"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
~Margaret Wolfe Hungerford~
After a lot of searching, I still can't say with absolute certainty, but I think this may be a milkweed nymph? Anyone out there who knows for sure and has its true identity, would you please let me know what you think? Thank you! It was on a milkweed plant. I have seen adult milkweed bugs but this one leaves me a little puzzled, as I know there is also a milkweed assassin bug but they are two different insects. The old saying popped in my head when looking at it. I think it is a lovely little bug but I daresay a lot of people out there wouldn't agree with me.
Added note Saturday, July 20th, 2024: thank you to those of you who offered ID’s. David of Travel with Birds identified it as a Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus). I found a wonderful page with a very good profile at this link. It was extremely interesting reading about it. Thank you very much David!
David also has a marvelous post with extremely enjoyable photos of insects. You can see those plus much more at this link.
I got this information about the quote online: "It is believed to have first appeared in English in the 19th century. Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (nee Hamilton) is widely credited with coining the saying in its current form. Hungerford wrote many books often under the pseudonym of 'The Duchess'. In the 1878 novel Molly Bawn, there's the line "It is an old axiom, and well said, that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'".
Margaret (Apr 27 1855 - Jan 24 1897) was an Irish novelist whose light romantic fiction was popular throughout the English-speaking world in the late 19th century. She was born in County Cork, Ireland. As a child she enjoyed creating stories and she won prizes for her writing at school. Later she supported herself and her three daughters by writing books. Her first novel "Phyllis" was very successful. All my information came from Wikipedia. You can click here if you are interested in reading more.
A change of pace today as I don't often find a bug to take a photo of, but thought this was interesting.
Thanks so much for looking
and have a great day!
I have no idea what that bug is, but the milkweed is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim, much appreciated :)
DeleteWell, it does have vivid colors, but if I came face to face with it (or face to feelers; just LOOK at them, they are like pipe cleaners!!) I believe I might pass out. Or at least get a milk case of the vapours.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the smile Ginny, l might have got a case of the vapours myself if the thing had headed my way :)
DeleteDon't know that insect unfortunately but that saying is a well-known one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret, yes indeed :)
DeleteThat is a colourful beauty - and yes, I grew up hearing that phrase as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue , it sure is :)
DeleteLove your colourful bug and the info about the saying. It is so true too.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Diane, thank you so much :)
DeleteThat is a very smart bug. It is fascinating to look closely at them, even if they are terrible pests!
ReplyDeleteIn what way are they terrible pests?
DeleteI am no help in identifying the bug. It sure does have some long antennae on it.
ReplyDeleteI agree Ann :)
DeleteWow, what a cool insect, and how amazing she supported her daughters from her books, such a lovely post, thanks for sharing! Hope you have an amazing summer!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Midori
https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/panda-village-koala-world
I admired her story greatly when I read that, especially in those days. Thank you very much and I wish you the same amazing summer :)
DeleteI'm not a great fan of little bugs but it is interesting. When I tried to grow milkweed some years ago, little bugs ate it to the ground. Sigh. I wanted to grow them for Monarchs. Happy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol, I have always been fascinated by bugs, that's not to say I don't get startled when one suddenly crawls over me ;) Sorry to read about your milkweed plant. I've wanted to plant my own and hope I have some success, especially for the Monarchs. Happy Friday, as I am one day later here.
DeleteBeauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, Denise. This amazing little insect is a Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) and I appreciate seeing it on your blog this morning. It will be in my mind for the rest of the day!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the ID David, much appreciate your fast response. I'm glad you enjoyed the sight of it :)
DeleteThat bug eyes are astounding
ReplyDeleteTotally agree roentare :)
DeleteVery beautiful red beetle Denise!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
Thank you Katerina, I am happy you enjoyed my little bug. I wish you a nice day also :)
DeleteI have no idea what this interesting creature is or is up to Denise. Great detail on what appears to be in a protective state. Nice hearing the background of "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Ellen, so glad you found it interesting :)
DeleteGreat photos of the insect and the plant. I love the quote too. Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteI am happy you found them so Eileen. Thank you and you take care and enjoy your day also :)
DeleteGoogle lens search went right to the red milkweed bug and they look identical to me. I don't think it is beautiful but I do think it is incredible, and the details of bugs/insects amaze me now that we can see each thing the good Lord put on them.. he is pretty incredible.. agree with roe the eyes are astounding.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra, I need to check google lens search out. I appreciate your ID help very much. Yes, the eyes are amazing.
DeleteI am not a fan of bugs...but the colour is just amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie, I agree, the color is amazing :)
DeleteI have absolutely no idea about the bug...but it's coloring is gorgeous!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
Thank Donna, totally agree. Sending hugs!
Deleteit was interesting and a great image!! i have nothing to offer, i don't have a clue what it is!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie, I know what it is now thanks to our blogging friends :)
DeleteWhat a fascinating find, Denise!
ReplyDeleteThe colors on that bug are striking.
Thanks for sharing the interesting backstory about the quote.
Nature always amazes us.
Have a wonderful day!
Thank you Veronica Lee, I am very happy you enjoyed my post. Nature is amazing, I feel the same way. Have a wonderful day also :)
DeleteI admire the people who can identify almost any insect they see.
ReplyDeleteMe too Red, such knowledge is to be admire :)
DeleteI agree with Donna - I know nothing about bugs but isn't it interesting that even the bugs are made with such detail and beauty??
ReplyDeleteVery much so, thank you Jennifer :)
DeleteWhat an ineresting looking nymph...is he 3rd kissin' cousins to a Ladybug? they have similar colors
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
I know what you mean Cecilia, they certainly do :) Sending hugs!
DeleteIt is an interesting bug for sure and one my grandson would love to catch! :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't quite bring myself to catch it, lol! :)
DeleteI like it. I always search for insect names. Today I saw a bug on an oak leaf. I also took a photo of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Aritha, so glad. I hope you shared your photo on your blog. Popping over right now :)
DeleteWonderful shots
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteThat is one fierce looking bug! Google lens says it is a red milkweed beetle.
ReplyDeleteHe looks formidable doesn't he? :) Thanks so much for the ID!
DeleteEs un lindo bicho. Y como tu dices la belleza esta en los detalles. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias. Te mando un beso :)
Deletewonderful shots...I think you are right about the ID but I am not positive.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rose, and I appreciate your input on the ID. Much appreciated :)
DeleteI agree that it's an interesting bug, but the milkweed plant may not agree, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dorothy, fortunately and I was happy to read, that they do little damage to the milkweed plants.
DeleteThank you D
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome my friend :)
DeleteAloha
ReplyDeleteAloha :)
DeleteThanks Linda, it was taken with my cell phone :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great shots of the insect. But it looks like he could be a poisonous one. I wouldn't get too close to it. ; )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thank you for the concern Sheri, so kind of you :)
DeleteAlas, no ID from me, but it does look lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanie, I have the ID now. I agree, it does look a lovely little bug :)
DeleteA beautiful looking bug but I'm not sure if I was the same size whether I would feel quite the same about it. Would it want to gobble me up for lunch!
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point Beverley, I have thought in the past we would be in a lot of trouble if our insect population were bigger. Thank you, he certainly was a lovely little bug :)
Delete