
Community identification
Western Conifer Seed Bug
Leptoglossus occidentalis
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Coreidae
- Size
- 16 to 20 mm (0.6 to 0.8 inches) in length
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.