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BOXELDER BUG
COMMON NAME: Boxelder bug
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Boisea trivittata (Say)
CLASS I ORDER I FAMILY: Insecta / Heteroptera l Rhopalidae
METAMORPHOSIS: Simple
INTRODUCTION. The common name is derived from the fact that this species is a major pest of boxelder trees. Boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest since they enter manmade structures to over winter. This species is native to the western states and is now found from eastern parts of Canada, throughout the eastern United States, and west to eastern Nevada in any area where boxelder trees are found.
RECOGNITION. The adults about 1/2" long and elongate-oval. It is somewhat flattened and it’s head is narrower than its pronotum. The boxelder’s striking color pattern of black with reddish lines on the dorsum, pronotum with margins and a median line which is also reddish, and basal half of wings with a reddish margin. The head has ocelli present and the mouthparts are for piercing-sucking. They form a beak which is held beneath the body when not in use. The antenna are 4-segmented and are about half of the body length. The wings have an outer membraneous (like cellophane) part which is many veined. The insect does not have scent glands (an opening on each side of thorax between 2nd and 3rd pair of legs).
Early nymphs are similar to the adults but lack wings. Occasionally wing pads are present, and are bright red in color.
BIOLOGY. The over wintering adults emerge from hibernation and the females lay several clusters of straw-yellow eggs on rocks/ stones, leaves, grass, shrubs, and trees, especially in the bark crevices of boxelder trees. These eggs turn red as the embryos develop and hatch in about 2 weeks. The nymphs feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later on new leaves. The insect goes through 5 instars before becoming an adult. In the warmer regions of the United States, there are several generations per year.
HABITS. The over wintering adults emerge from hibernation when the boxelder buds open and then fly back to their host trees, typically in late April to early May. They first feed or the fallen boxelder seeds and later move to the female boxelder trees when the seeds begin to form. They feed on the newly developing leaves.
The primary host plant is the seed-bearing (female) boxelder tree, but they also occur on seed-bearing silver maple trees, Acersaccharinum Linnaeus. They do not feed on the male trees. Occasionally, they will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees.
In the autumn, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south sides of rocks, trees, and buildings where the sun rays strike. After large masses of boxelder bugs congregate, they may fly to nearby buildings to go directly to hibernate for the winter.
Inside, boxelder bugs are primarily a nuisance pest. However, their fecal material may cause a red stain, resulting in discoloration on curtains, drapes, clothing, and any other resting place. When boselder bugs are crushed or handled roughly, they produce a strong, disagreeable odor. They may occasionally 'bite" people, causing a slight skin irritation which may produce a red spot similar to a very small ulcer.
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