Boxelder Bug nymph

Natural Habitat

Found primarily on female boxelder trees, but can also be found on maple and ash trees; often seek shelter in houses during winter.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the seeds, leaves, and soft twigs of host trees like the boxelder.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs are bright red and lack full wings. They are highly gregarious, often clustering in large numbers on sunny walls or tree trunks. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans and plants. They are considered a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers to overwinter. They do not bite or sting, though they may leave stains on fabrics.

Identified on: 5/27/2026