Western Conifer Seed Bug

Scientific Name: Leptoglossus occidentalis

Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Coreidae

Size: 16 to 20 mm (0.6 to 0.8 inches) in length

Western Conifer Seed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found in coniferous forests and residential areas with pine, Douglas-fir, and spruce trees; often seeks shelter in human structures during winter.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; primarily feeds on the developing seeds and cones of coniferous trees by piercing them with its proboscis.

Behavior Patterns

Active during warm months for feeding and mating; notably known for its tendency to aggregate and enter buildings in the fall to find a location for overwintering.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans and does not bite or sting. It can be a nuisance pest when entering homes. It may cause minor damage to seed crops in forestry, but otherwise has little ecosystem impact.

Identified on: 4/9/2026