Western Boxelder Bug
Boisea rubrolineata
This record describes Boisea rubrolineata (species). Recorded family: Rhopalidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
like B. trivittata , but veins of the corium are prominent and red-colored
Wikipedia reference for Boisea rubrolineata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boisea_rubrolineata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Coreoidea
- Family
- Rhopalidae (Scentless Plant Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Serinethinae
- Genus
- Boisea (Boxelder Bugs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (s.BC-CA-AZ-AB) plus a few records out to w. TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
Particularly noticeable in fall (often invade homes in search of shelter to hibernate) and in spring (when they emerge)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Acer grandifolium (Bigleaf Maple), A. negundo (Boxelder), A. saccharinum (Silver Maple), Koelreuteria paniculata (Goldenrain Tree), and Sapindus saponaria (Western Soapberry) Flowers and young seeds are preferred, so female trees often support larger populations; may also feed on foliage, on sap seeping from wounds on branches/trunks, and on fallen seeds. They will sometimes feed on trees of the Rose Family ( Malus, Pyrus, Prunus , etc.) and cause minor damage to commercial fruit (rarely). They are recorded to feed on plants as diverse as Grass, Alfalfa, and Potatoes. It is even common to see them gathered and sucking fluids from other substances such as discarded human food, smashed insects, etc.
Life History
Western Boxelder Bugs overwinter perhaps in all stages, but mostly as mature nymphs and adults. There may be one to several broods per season, depending upon the length of the growing season. Here is an example of all the stages found in one area on the same day:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Boisea rubrolineata (Barber 1956)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Boisea rubrolineata. 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 Boxelder Bug (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , David Ferguson , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Boxelder Bug
What is Western Boxelder Bug?
Western Boxelder Bug (Boisea rubrolineata) is a species in the family Rhopalidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Western Boxelder Bug?
like B. trivittata , but veins of the corium are prominent and red-colored
Where is Western Boxelder Bug found?
Range: w. NA (s.BC-CA-AZ-AB) plus a few records out to w. TX - Map
What does Western Boxelder Bug eat?
The diet of the Western Boxelder Bug includes hosts: Acer grandifolium (Bigleaf Maple), A. negundo (Boxelder), A. saccharinum (Silver Maple), Koelreuteria paniculata (Goldenrain Tree), and Sapindus saponaria (Western Soapberry) Flowers and young seeds are preferred, so female trees often support larger populations; may also feed on foliage, on sap seeping from wounds on branches/trunks, and on fallen seeds. They will sometimes feed on trees of the Rose Family ( Malus, Pyrus, Prunus , etc.) and cause minor damage to commercial fruit (rarely). They are recorded to feed on plants as diverse as Grass, Alfalfa, and Potatoes. It is even common to see them gathered and sucking fluids from other substances such as discarded human food, smashed insects, etc..
When is Western Boxelder Bug active?
Western Boxelder Bug: seasonal activity - Particularly noticeable in fall (often invade homes in search of shelter to hibernate) and in spring (when they emerge).
What is the life cycle of a Western Boxelder Bug?
Western Boxelder Bugs overwinter perhaps in all stages, but mostly as mature nymphs and adults. There may be one to several broods per season, depending upon the length of the growing season. Here is an example of all the stages found in one area on the same day: