Western Conifer Seed Bug

Forests, woodlands, and urban areas near conifer trees; often seeks shelter in homes during autumn.

Plant juices, specifically feeding on the developing seeds and cones of conifers such as pines, Douglas-firs, and spruces.

Active flyers during warm months. They aggregate on sunny walls in autumn to find overwintering sites, releasing a pungent, defensive odor when disturbed.

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting and do not transmit diseases, though they can be a minor nuisance pest when entering homes in large numbers and can damage conifer seed crops.