Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Author: Heidemann, 1910
Identification
Dull reddish-brown with faint (or absent) white zigzag stripe across midpoint of upper surface; antennae may be almost as long as body. Outer hind tibial dilation nearly equal in length to inner dilation.
Range
Native to w. NA, it has been expanding its range eastward since the 1950s
(1), and is now common throughout ne. US and so. ON (reached so. NB)
recently introduced to Europe (first record: 1999, n. Italy) and now widespread there
(1)Habitat
Coniferous trees; adults may wander indoors late in the season looking for shelter to spend the winter
Season
Nymphs and adults on coniferous trees in spring and summer; adults often seen around homes in fall.
Food
Nymphs and adults use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on sap from green cones, twigs, seed pulp, and sometimes needles of several species of pine, plus hemlock, spruce, and Douglas-fir.
Life Cycle
One generation per year. In spring these bugs move to coniferous trees nearby and feed on the developing seeds and early flowers. Females lay rows of eggs on host tree needles; eggs hatch in ~10 days. Young nymphs 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 5 stages and reach adulthood by late August. Adults feed on ripening seed until they seek overwintering quarters. (
Klass 2009)
Remarks
These bugs cannot bite/sting/infect people or pets, damage houses or household items, or even reproduce indoors, as egg laying and development are restricted to the host plants during the summer months. (
Iowa State U.) If molested, they give off a pungent odor as defense.
See Also
L. corculus has outer hind tibial dilation distinctly longer than inner one, and posterior margin of genital capsule has median roundly V-shaped notch (subrectangular notch in
L. occidentalis).
