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Boxelder Bug

Boisea trivittatus

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45.0024, -93.1248

Field Notes

Description:

About a half inch long, boxelder bugs are generally dark with orange or red markings. There are three stripes on the prothorax. The wings fold over the back forming an "x" pattern.

Habitat:

These insects often invade homes in fall as cold weather sets in, but other than being a nuisance they rarely cause damage. In large numbers, they may stain carpets, walls and drapes with excrement. They don't, however, bite. Found in deciduous forests, where they feed mostly on maple seeds, they may also be found on boxelder and ash trees.

Notes:

We typically don't have a much of a problem with these insects in our house, although we get several every fall. In late winter they begin to emerge from their hiding places providing me a few photo subjects.

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Photographed
PublishedFebruary 27, 2011

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