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Western Conifer Seed Bug
Leptoglossus occidentalis
42.9634, -85.6681
Field Notes
Description:
Adult Western Conifer Seed bug (leaf-footed bug) parasitized with a Tachinid fly egg on its head.
Western Conifer Seed Bugs originated in the West but have successfully moved as far east as they can go. Found on a wide variety of conifer trees, the nymphs and adults feed on sap of the needles, flowers, scales of young cones, and later, the seeds, sometimes affecting the development of seeds. Harmless to healthy trees, affecting only the seed production. Several wasps are parasites on leaf-footed bug eggs, and Tachinid flies, particularly Feather-legged flies ( http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7760721 ), which lays its eggs on adult leaf-footed bugs are considered a biological control.
Habitat:
Throughout northeastern U.S. and southern Ontario. Recently introduced to Europe. Coniferous trees; adults may overwinter indoors or commonly under bark.
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