Boisea

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Coreoidea
Family: Rhopalidae
Subfamily: Serinethinae
Genus: Boisea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Boisea: /ˈbɔɪsiə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Box elder bug by Bruce Marlin. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Hemiptera cluster by Photo courtesy of Jodi Green under Creative Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0. Used under a CC BY 2.5 license.

Boisea trivittata by Gustamons. Used under a CC0 license.

Flores de mi Jardín by TanyGab. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Boisea trivittata P1510268b by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Eastern Boxelder Bug (Boisea trivittata) - Kitchener, Ontario by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

The boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata) is a true bug native to eastern North America, often associated with boxelder, maple, and ash trees. They can become a nuisance in homes during winter as they seek shelter, though they are harmless and primarily feed on seeds.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are about 13 millimeters long with a dark brown or black coloration, red wing veins, and dark red eyes. Nymphs are bright red.

Identification Tips

Boxelder bugs have a distinct appearance with their coloration and size, but can be confused with Jadera, Pyrrhocoris, and Melacoryphus species, as well as with Boisea rubrolineata.

Habitat

Primarily found on boxelder trees, also on maple and ash trees; they can be observed on warm surfaces near their host trees.

Distribution

Native to eastern United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala. Also sighted in South Africa and introduced to Chile.

Diet

Feeds almost entirely on the developing seeds of boxelder, maple, and ash trees, occasionally sucking leaves.

Life Cycle

Overwinters in plant debris or protected human-inhabited areas. In the spring, they emerge to feed and lay eggs on trees.

Reproduction

Lays eggs on host plants in spring; nymphs hatch and develop into adults throughout the warmer months.

Predators

Minor predators include spiders and cats; however, due to chemical defenses, few birds or other animals will eat them.

Ecosystem Role

Boxelder bugs play a role in their ecosystem by feeding on seeds, but they are not considered major pests affecting plant health significantly.

Economic Impact

Generally not classified as agricultural pests, but can cause cosmetic damage to some fruits and ornamental plants.

Cultural Significance

Boxelder bugs are sometimes regarded as a nuisance in homes during overwintering periods due to their clustering behavior.

Health Concerns

They are harmless to people and pets but can leave stains from their excreta.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with stink bugs, which are from a different family (Pentatomidae). Boxelder bugs are in the family Rhopalidae and are known as 'scentless plant bugs'.