Western Conifer Seed Bug

Natural Habitat

Coniferous forests, urban and suburban areas, often found congregating on the sunny sides of homes in fall.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds primarily on the seeds of conifers (pines, firs, spruces, hemlocks), extracting sap with its piercing-sucking mouthparts. They can also feed on developing cones and sometimes on deciduous trees and fruits.

Behavior Patterns

Adults overwinter in sheltered locations, often indoors. They are known for their distinct, somewhat clumsy flight and a buzzing sound when flying. When disturbed, they may emit a foul-smelling liquid. They have one generation per year.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers seeking overwintering sites. They do not pose a health risk to humans or pets, nor do they cause structural damage. In their natural habitat, they can cause some damage to conifer seeds, but are not usually a major economic pest in forestry.

Identified on: 11/13/2025