Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Western Conifer Seed Bug

Leptoglossus occidentalis

I found this bug outside on a window screen on October 23. It used to be only in the west but now is common in the northeast US and Canada. It is harmless to humans but it does make quite a stink if you pick it up or touch it!

The seed bug has "infrared receptors and is able to exploit the difference between cones and needles in the infrared spectrum, and zero in on cone-laden conifers from afar. This insect is a specialist herbivore that feeds on the contents of developing conifer seeds."



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