Western Conifer Seed Bug
Leptoglossus occidentalis
This record describes Leptoglossus occidentalis (species). Recorded family: Coreidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Leptoglossus occidentalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_conifer_seed_bug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Coreoidea
- Family
- Coreidae (Leaf-footed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Coreinae
- Tribe
- Anisoscelini
- Genus
- Leptoglossus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Preferring areas with Pine trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The bug feeds on Pines and seems very likely to become established here; nymphs have so far been found at one location. It is attracted to light and may enter buildings in search of hibernation sites in the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Native to the USA and introduced into Europe in 1999, this species has since spread rapidly and during the autumn of 2008 and 2009 influxes of immigrants were reported from the coast of southern England, with a wide scatter of records inland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Leptoglossus occidentalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Western Conifer Seed Bug (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Conifer Seed Bug
How big is Western Conifer Seed Bug?
14mm to 18mm (0.55" to 0.70")
Where is Western Conifer Seed Bug found?
Habitat: Preferring areas with Pine trees.
When is Western Conifer Seed Bug active?
Western Conifer Seed Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..
What is the life cycle of a Western Conifer Seed Bug?
The bug feeds on Pines and seems very likely to become established here; nymphs have so far been found at one location. It is attracted to light and may enter buildings in search of hibernation sites in the autumn.