
Community identification
Western conifer seed bug
Leptoglossus occidentalis
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera; Coreidae
- Size
- About 16–20 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Conifer forests and seed-bearing trees; often enters buildings in autumn to overwinter.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds by piercing developing seeds and cones of conifers, including pine, fir, and spruce.
Behavior Patterns
A long-legged true bug with flattened, leaf-like expansions on its hind legs. Adults overwinter in sheltered places and may gather indoors; they do not establish indoor breeding populations.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to people and homes, though it can emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed. It can reduce conifer seed production, but is not generally a serious forest pest.