I continue to be fascinated by the metamorphosis of bugs and was happy to spot these familiar bright red milkweed bug nymphs recently at my local marshland.
Last year, I closely followed the development of Large Milkweed Bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus) and documented my observations in a posting called Life Phases of the Large Milkweed Bug. I was a bit surprised when that posting turned out to be my fourth most visited posting of the year (it was since slipped to number six on the charts), because it was as much an educational posting as one to highlight my photos.
When I spotted these bugs, there were several clusters of them and the individuals seemed to be gradually separating as they sought out food. The bugs go through five phases (instars) as nymphs before they become adults and these look to be in one of the middle phases of development, judging from the size of the “wings.”
In case someone is not familiar with these bugs, I am attaching a photo from last year of adult milkweed bugs to give an idea of what these nymphs will eventually become.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice macros! I like the colors of this bug.
Very nice macro shots! They should call these Halloween bugs. We didn’t have any this year. Too far north I guess, or too late of a summer season.
It seems like you have had a shortage of milkweed-related insects. I recall you mentioning not having Monarchs in any great number this year.