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University
of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets
Western
Conifer Seed Bug
Leptoglossus occidentalis
Hemiptera: Coreidae
The western conifer seed bug has become a nuisance pest
in many Rhode Island homes. The bug has the habit of entering
buildings at the onset of cold weather in the late summer or
early fall as it seeks a protected site to spend the winter.
These bugs do not bite or sting, nor do they cause damage to
the home. They will, however, give off a pungent odor if you
handle them. They also may make a buzzing sound when flying.
The range of the western conifer seed bug has been expanding.
Confined to the Western coast of the United States until the
1960s, this insect began to move east rapidly in recent decades.
By 1990 the insect had reached western New York, and by 1996
had arrived in Rhode Island.
The western conifer seed bug belongs to the family Coreidae,
commonly called leaf-footed bugs, and like many members of
this family, it has a flattened, leaf-like expansion on the
hind legs. The adult is about 3/4 inch (16-20 mm) in length
and is a dull brownish color. There is a faint white zigzag
stripe across the midpoint of its upper surface. When the insect
takes flight, it lifts the wings to reveal bright yellowish-orange
areas on its back. The leaf-footed bugs use piercing-sucking
mouthparts to pierce the scales of conifer seeds and suck out
the seed pulp. The list of host plants includes white pine,
red pine, Scots pine, Austrian pine, mugo pine, white spruce,
Douglas fir and hemlock. When these trees are grown near homes,
the bugs may seek the nearby buildings as an overwintering
site.
In spring these bugs move outdoors to nearby coniferous
trees. The bugs feed on the developing seeds and early flowers
of different species of conifers. Females are reported to lay
rows of eggs on needles of the host trees, which hatch in about
10 days. Young nymphs then begin to feed on tender cone scales
and sometimes the needles. The nymphs are orange and brown,
becoming reddish-brown to brown as they develop. Nymphs pass
through five stages and reach adulthood by late August. Adults
feed on ripening seed until they seek overwintering quarters.
If these bugs are a problem in your area, you may screen
attic or wall vents, chimneys and fireplaces to mechanically
block their points of entry. Eliminate or caulk gaps around
door and window frames and tighten up loose fitting screens,
windows or doors. There are no pesticides specifically registered
for control of the western conifer seed bug either indoors
or out. Use a vacuum to remove these insects from the home.
Adapted from the
Cornell Cooperative Extension and the URI Department of Plant
Sciences, 1999
Pesticides
are poisonous! Read and follow all safety precautions on labels.
Handle carefully and store in original containers out of reach
of children, pets or livestock. Dispose of empty containers
immediately, in a safe manner and place. Pesticides should never
be stored with foods or in areas where people eat.
When trade names are used for identification, no product endorsement
is implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials.
Be sure that the pesticide you intend to use is registered for
the state of use.
The user of this information assumes all risk for personal injury
or property damage.
For more
information, call the URI CE Gardening and Food Safety Hotline
at 1-800-448-1011 or (401)874-2929 from outside Rhode Island;
Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm.
University
of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension provides equal program
opportunities.
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