Eastern Boxelder Bug

Boisea trivittata

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Boisea trivittata: //ˈbɔɪsea traɪvɪˈtɑːtə//

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

Images

Summary

Boisea trivittata, commonly known as the eastern boxelder bug, is a true bug native to North America, primarily found on boxelder, maple, and ash trees. Adults display dark coloration with red markings, and they feed on developing seeds. While considered harmless, they can become a nuisance when seeking warmth in homes during winter.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are about 11-14 mm long with dark brown or black coloration, bright red wing veins and abdominal markings, and dark red eyes. Nymphs are bright red.

Identification Tips

Look for clusters of dark brown or black insects with red markings on boxelder, maple, or ash trees. Nymphs are distinctive with their bright red coloration during their early life stages.

Habitat

Primarily found on boxelder trees and also on maple and ash trees.

Distribution

Much of North America, from Canada to eastern Mexico, with some sightings in Guatemala and introduced populations in Chile.

Diet

Feeds almost entirely on the developing seeds of boxelder, maple, and ash trees; adults may also suck leaves.

Life Cycle

Uni- or bivoltine, with eggs laid in bark crevices or on foliage/seeds of hosts. Nymphs molt 5 times before reaching adulthood. Adults may overwinter in protective places, including human-inhabited structures.

Reproduction

Lays eggs in bark crevices or on foliage/seeds of host plants.

Predators

Spiders and cats are minor predators; however, due to their chemical defenses, few birds or other animals will eat them.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in the ecosystem by feeding on seeds, but not considered a significant pest in its native habitat.

Economic Impact

Not a commercial pest; may cause cosmetic damage to ornamental plants and some fruits but generally not considered injurious to crops.

Cultural Significance

Sometimes perceived as a nuisance when they invade homes for hibernation, causing staining from excreta.

Health Concerns

Harmless to people and pets; may stain furniture and fabrics if they enter homes.

Evolution

Trivittata refers to the three banded markings typical of the adult's appearance; it shares a close relationship with Boisea rubrolineata, the western boxelder bug.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly mistaken for 'stink bugs' which belong to the family Pentatomidae, whereas Boisea trivittata is part of the Rhopalidae family, known as 'scentless plant bugs', although they do produce a strong odor when disturbed.