Species Boisea rubrolineata - Western Boxelder Bug

Boisea rubrolineata (Barber 1956)

like B. trivittata, but veins of the corium are prominent and red-colored(1)

w. NA (s.BC-CA-AZ-AB) plus a few records out to w. TX - Map (1)(2)

Particularly noticeable in fall (often invade homes in search of shelter to hibernate) and in spring (when they emerge)

hosts: Acer grandifolium (Bigleaf Maple), A. negundo (Boxelder), A. saccharinum (Silver Maple), Koelreuteria paniculata (Goldenrain Tree), and Sapindus saponaria (Western Soapberry)(1)

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.

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:

Neacoryphus lateralis

- Range: w. NA

fact sheet - UC IPM(3)