The western conifer seed bug was first described in the United States of North America. It is also found in parts of Canada, Colorado, and Michigan state. This is a small insect that is brown and black in color and has a pointed head with square shoulders and wings equal to the length of its body. It also has a pale white zigzag pattern on its wings. Adult bugs are 0.8 in long and have a hard exoskeleton mostly made of chitin which protects the body.They are not harmful in nature. The only issue is when they move into houses during winter to seek shelter and cause difficulty to the residents. This can be controlled through pest control, sealing ant tiny cracks. They primarily reside in conifer trees and end up destroying the seed as well. There are times they destroy fruits in other trees which is a major threat caused by them. Read on to discover the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis). If you like this article then visit giant water bug and stink bug too once you’re done here.‍

Fun Western Conifer Seed Bug Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they? 0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Brown-black

Skin Type N/A

What were their main threats? Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status? Not Listed

Where you’ll find them? Conifer Trees

Locations United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

Western Conifer Seed Bug Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a western conifer seed bug?The western conifer seed bug is a type of insect which is considered a nuisance and is mostly seen in cold-weather regions near conifer trees. During winters, however, the conifer seed bug seeks shelter in houses and this becomes difficult for residents in the area.What class of animal does a western conifer seed bug belong to?The western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis is an insect by classification and belongs to the family Coreidae. They are arthropods as they have an exoskeleton. They also belong to the order Hemiptera, or True bugs. This bug is often mistaken for looking similar to other pests primarily because of its outward appearance.How many western conifer seed bugs are there in the world?The exact population of the western conifer seed bugs is not known yet however they don’t take much time to increase in number.  Where does a western conifer seed bug live?Conifers get their name from their habitat which is in the conifer trees in the woods. During winters they move to seek shelter in homes where people reside and are considered a pest. In most instances, people try to get rid of the same by fumigation or sealing all possible areas where they may get into the house. Many consider the western conifer seed bug poisonous but this is in fact a myth.What is a western conifer seed bug’s habitat?They began by residing only in British Columbia and then spread out to North America and different parts of the world. This pest primarily feeds on pine seeds as an adult and hence it resides in the conifer tree until winter and then moves elsewhere. During winters they seek shelter in homes as well as pests.Who do western conifer seed bugs live with?Conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis lives on their own mostly however when they arrive in homes as pests they can come in numbers so it’s essential to ensure pest control before they arrive instead of after their arrival. These pests have the ability to hide in places you never knew.How long does a western conifer seed bug live?The western conifer seed bug life cycle consists of five stages before they become proper adults. The adult lives till the end of summer and then dies. These bugs do not have a very long lifespan.How do they reproduce?At one time a western conifer seed bug produces a single generation of eggs each season they mate which is usually by late May or June. The eggs are usually laid on designated areas in conifer trees and measure 2 mm in length. The eggs take a period of ten days to two weeks to hatch. These nymphs then grow up through five weeks to finally become an adult.What is their conservation status?The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not listed the conservation status of this species. However, it is sure that once they are seen in a vicinity its takes no time for a whole family to be seen in the same location. These pests can create havoc and the best way to get rid of them is to use a vacuum instead of killing them.Western Conifer Seed Bug Fun FactsWhat do western conifer seed bugs look like?This insect is a small insect that is brown and black in color and has a pointed head with square shoulders and wings equal to the length of its body.  It also has a pale white zigzag pattern on its wings. Adult bugs are 0.8in long and die by the end of summer. These bugs are often mistaken for other bugs and pests that exist like the kissing bugs. Western conifer seed bug vs kissing bug is also similar in appearance but kissing bugs have pathogens that they use to bite and it causes Chagas disease and is harmful to humans.  How cute are they?Those who find bugs and insects cute are a handful as compared to the majority of people who consider them a nuisance and instinctively wish to get rid of them. This is not the case of this insect alone but others as well. As compared to other insects this bug looks more aesthetic because of its unique features and it’s not harmful which is relatively good but does not really create affection towards them in any way.How do they communicate?Studies conducted in the field suggest that they make use of vibratory communication signals produced usually by the male western conifer bugs. It is obvious that all living organisms have the ability to communicate in one way or the other it does not always have to be audible in nature.  How big is a western conifer seed bug?A western conifer seed bug is 0.6-0.8 in long which is five times bigger than the smallest bug or insects in the world, fairyflies and is 0.02 to 0.04 in long which resembles a wasp and is a really tiny being.How fast can a western conifer seed bug move?Adults of the species have the ability to fly as well as crawl, though they move at a slow pace. It flies during the day as well as in the night. This is adequate for this species considering it has both instincts necessary to save itself in case of any dangerous situations.How much does a western conifer seed bug weigh?The bug western conifer seed weighs more or less similar to other insects. It’s the same size as the kissing bug and approximately weighs 1.5-2.5 mg.  What are their male and female names of the species?Male and female are not named differently and however, they are distinct in their reproductive functions.What would you call a baby western conifer seed bug?A baby western conifer seed bug is referred to as an egg initially and as nymphs once they hatch. The adult lays eggs and after two weeks the nymphs hatch. It develops through the five weeks into an adult. The nymphs develop into adults and begin to look for a warm place to reside in the winters to keep themselves safe.What do they eat?Western conifer seed bug feeds on the seed of the conifer tree by injecting an enzyme responsible for liquefying the seed into drinkable form. The western conifer seed bug bite on other fruits and seeds in trees which affect farmers majorly, for example, apple trees which face destruction due to the involvement of these pests. Apart from this, they feed on fir seed and other species of pine.Are they dangerous?The seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis is not dangerous or venomous like some other insects but still classifies as a pest. They usually reside in conifer trees and more in other regions to seek shelter during winters. In many instances, they create nuisances in homes by entering them and flying around.Would they make a good pet?They are primarily classified as pests hence they would not be good pets.  Did you know…They usually release a defensive odor when attacked however, they are harmless in nature. It’s difficult to completely get rid of them if you reside in regions where they live however sealing open areas of the home is a crucial step in ensuring they stay out of homes.The western conifer seed bug is not harmful yet it is often mistaken for looking similar to other common pests like cockroaches and other flying bugs like kissing bugs, and specifically the difference between the western conifer seed bug vs stink bug since they look similar. Both the stink bug and western conifer seed bug smell and release a foul smell when killed and are not harmful towards humans, however, there is a slight difference in their appearance that while the seed bug is more rectangular shaped the stink bug is more round in shape.  What eats western conifer seed bug?A western conifer seed bug can be food for any insects that consume other insects. One such animal is the chameleon who feeds on insects, grasshoppers, locusts among others. Not just chameleons but other species like spiders too might consume them.How to trap western conifer seed bug?There are various ways to humanely get rid of a pest. First, make sure you have closed up any openings in the house to avoid pests from entering the home. It is not advisable to kill this adult seed bug, as it releases a stink when it feels in danger. It is important to take precautions to prevent these bugs from entering the home, to avoid having to then deal with the situation once they have infected your home. Contacting a pest controller agency can help to effectively tackle this.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other arthropods including stick bug, or Christmas beetle.You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Western Conifer seed bug coloring pages.

What type of animal is a western conifer seed bug?

The western conifer seed bug is a type of insect which is considered a nuisance and is mostly seen in cold-weather regions near conifer trees. During winters, however, the conifer seed bug seeks shelter in houses and this becomes difficult for residents in the area.

Fun Western Conifer Seed Bug Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they? 0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Brown-black

Skin Type N/A

What were their main threats? Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status? Not Listed

Where you’ll find them? Conifer Trees

Locations United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

Fun Western Conifer Seed Bug Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they? 0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Brown-black

Skin Type N/A

What were their main threats? Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status? Not Listed

Where you’ll find them? Conifer Trees

Locations United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

Fun Western Conifer Seed Bug Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they? 0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Brown-black

Skin Type N/A

What were their main threats? Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status? Not Listed

Where you’ll find them? Conifer Trees

Locations United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

Fun Western Conifer Seed Bug Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they? 0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Brown-black

Skin Type N/A

What were their main threats? Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status? Not Listed

Where you’ll find them? Conifer Trees

Locations United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they? 0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Brown-black

Skin Type N/A

What were their main threats? Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status? Not Listed

Where you’ll find them? Conifer Trees

Locations United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they? 0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Brown-black

Skin Type N/A

What were their main threats? Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status? Not Listed

What do they prey on?

N/A

What do they eat?

Omnivore

Average litter size?

Multiple rows of eggs

How much do they weigh?

1.5-2.5 mg

How long are they?

0.6-0.8 in

How tall are they?

N/A

What do they look like?

Brown-black

Skin Type

What were their main threats?

Humans, Spiders, Chameleons, And

What is their conservation status?

Not Listed

Where you’ll find them? Conifer Trees

Locations United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

Where you’ll find them?

Conifer Trees

Locations

United States And Canada

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Leptoglossus

Kingdom

Animalia

Genus

Leptoglossus

Class Insecta

Family Coreidae

Class

Insecta

Family

Coreidae