Explanation of Names
Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann 1910
Identification
Dull reddish-brown with faint (or absent) white zigzag stripe across hemelytra; antennae may be almost as long as body. Outer hind tibial dilation nearly equal in length to inner dilation.
Range
widely dist., except se US -
Map (1)(2)(3), native to w. NA, introduced and widely dist. across Europe
Habitat
Coniferous trees; adults may wander indoors late in the season looking for shelter to spend the winter
A serious pest on Douglas fir seed in CA; has been observed feeding on Austrian pine needles and green cones in MO.
(4)Season
Nymphs and adults on conifers in spring and summer; adults often seen around homes during fall/winter
Food
sap from green cones, twigs, seed pulp, and sometimes needles of Pinaceae (pines, hemlock, spruce, Douglas-fir)
Life Cycle
One generation per year. In spring the bugs move to conifers and feed on the developing seeds and early flowers. Females lay rows of eggs on host needles; eggs hatch in ~10 days and nymphs begin to feed on tender cone scales and sometimes the needles; 5 nymphal instars; adults appear by late August and feed on ripening seed.
(5)Remarks
Generally does not bite/sting, but has been recorded (see references)
Not known to infect people or pets, damage property, or even reproduce indoors
(6)
Gives off a pungent odor as defense if molested
See Also
in
L. corculus, outer metatibial dilation distinctly longer than inner one, and posterior margin of genital capsule has median roundly V-shaped notch (subrectangular in
L. occidentalis)
