The Western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) is often found near white pine. It is ¾ inch long looks like a squash bug. They have dusky brown to brownish black bodies and an aggressive looking “beak” head. The upper surface of the abdomen is light yellow to orange. Alternating patterns of brown and black appear at the edges of their wing covers along their backs. While these insects look large and aggressive, they will not bite. They emit a powerful musky odor when disturbed or handled. Adults enter buildings seeking a site to overwinter after feeding on pine or Douglas-fir cones.
Western conifer seed bug adult. Photo by Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.org
Brightly colored seed bug nymphs. This stage is common during summer months. Photo by Sandy Kegley, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org.Information from Casey Sclar, IPM Coordinator, Longwood Gardens
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