About the Darth Maul Bug
Spilostethus hospes is a species of seed bug found in Asia, Australasia, and Oceania. It is sometimes referred to as the milkweed bug in Australia because it feeds on milkweed plants, however the large milkweed bug refers to a different species - Oncopelltus fasciatus. The two bugs both fall under the family of Lygaeidae and exhibit similar markings and behaviours. Large milkweed bugs however, are found in North America. The distribution of the two bugs, and respective differing taxonomies suggest they are different species.
Spilostethus hospes falls under the order of Hemiptera – ‘true bugs’. They are unique amongst insects in having their mouthparts formed into a piercing beak or 'rostrum', used to suck juices from plants or other animals. The bug falls under the family Lygaeidae, which are distinguished by their oval or elongate shape, and impunctate bodies. All bugs in this family are either dark brown or brightly coloured, and like many others of the subfamily Lygaeinae, S. hospes has distinct red/orange markings, as well as four segmented antennae.
Spilostethus hospes feeds on a series of plant organs including leaves, stems, fruits and seeds. In... Wikipedia →