Bug Identifier
Western Conifer Seed Bug
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
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.