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Western Conifer Seed Bug

Leptoglossus occidentalis

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45.0024, -93.1248

Field Notes

Description:

The long conspicuous legs with their flattened segments identifies this insect as a member of the leaf-footed bugs. Reddish brown coloration with a white zig-zag line across the back identifies it as a western conifer seed bug.

Habitat:

Forests, especially pine forests. These insects overwinter as adults and I often find them crawling about my house on warm winter days.

Notes:

This insect arrived in the eastern US until the 1980s.

Reference Links:

Western conifer seed bug

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
Gordon Dietzman
I'm not seeing quite as many as in most years. They manage to get into our house though and I often find them running around on our floors on warmer days during the winter. It gives me an opportunity to do some macro shooting during our cold months...grin.
jdobbelaar
This fall, 2012, I'm seeing many more of these in Westford Massachusetts than in prior years. It used to be I'd see an average of less than one on a weekend. Lately, I can find 5 to 10 on the windows at any time.
Ashish
Also called Leaf footed bug a kind of Stink bug.
Gordon Dietzman
They feed on pine seeds, but I don't believe they lay their eggs on or in seeds. They must, however, lay their eggs close to pine cones as their young feed on pine seeds as well as the adults.
ceherzog
Does it lay eggs in conifer seeds?

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Minnesota Wildlife (Animals)

Tags

Photographed
PublishedOctober 3, 2011

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