1. Egg Stage:
- Female milkweed bugs lay eggs in clusters on the stems or leaves of milkweed plants.
- Each egg is barrel-shaped, white or cream-colored, and about 1-2 millimeters in length.
- The eggs hatch in about 5-10 days, depending on the temperature.
2. Nymph Stage (5 Instars):
- After hatching, the nymphs go through five instars (immature stages) before reaching adulthood.
- Each instar is characterized by a specific size and appearance.
- The nymphs feed on the sap of milkweed plants, inserting their piercing mouthparts into the plant tissues.
- The duration of the nymphal stage can vary from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the temperature and availability of food.
3. Pupa Stage:
- After reaching the fifth instar, the nymph molts and enters the pupa stage.
- The pupa is immobile and does not feed.
- Inside the pupal case, the nymph undergoes dramatic changes, developing adult wings, reproductive organs, and other adult structures.
- The pupal stage typically lasts for about 1-2 weeks.
4. Adult Stage:
- Once fully developed, the adult milkweed bug emerges from the pupal case.
- Adult milkweed bugs are about 10-15 millimeters in length and have black bodies with red, orange, and white markings.
- Adults continue to feed on milkweed sap and can live for several months.
So, from egg to adult, the complete development time for a milkweed bug can range from approximately 4 to 8 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.