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Western Conifer Seed Bug

Leptoglossus occidentalis

Photo by Ioannis
Published on Project Noah
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48.8432, 2.33426

Field Notes

Description:

This "true bug" is originating from California, first described by Heidemann in 1910. It crossed the Rocky mountains in the 1950's and arrived in New York in the 1990's.
First observed in Europe in Italy in 1999, than in Spain and arrived in southern France in 2005 (in Corse island) and 2006 (in continental France).
It is attacking conifer grains and inflorescences.

Habitat:

City garden

Reference Links:

Species Leptoglossus occidentalis - Western Conifer Seed Bug - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Western Conifer Seed Bug

Leptoglossus occidentalis

Reference Link
Tom15
2

Comments (2)
Ioannis
Thanks @Tom15. You are right. It seems first specimens in Europe arrived in Italy via airplane at Milano, then crossed the border and arrived in France, first observed in Nice in 2006. Apparently they are attacking pine trees and are officially considered as invasive pests.
Tom15
Nice find! Looks like this North American bug has been expanding its range to Europe.

Spotted for Missions

Wildlife in Ile-De-France
Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity

Tags

Photographed
PublishedOctober 29, 2013

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