Boxedler

The common name relfects the fact that this species is a major pest of boxelder trees, Ecer negundo Linnaeus. Boxelder bugs primarily are a nuisance pest because they enter structures to overwinter. This species is native to the western states. It is now found from eastern Canada, throughout the eastern United States, and west to eastern Nevada wherever boxelder trees are found.

Recognition

Adults are about 1/2 inch long; elongated-oval, somewhat flattened with head narrower than pronotum. Color black with reddish lines on dorsum. Pronotum with margins and dedian line reddish, and basal half of wings with reddish margin. Head with ocelli present; mouthparts piercing-sucking, forming a beak held beneath body when not in use. Antenna four-segmented, about half body length. Wings with outer membranous part many-veined. Scent glands absent.

Nymphs are similar to adults but lack wings, although wingpads may be present, and bright red in color.

Habits

The overwintering adults emerge from hibernation when the boxelder buds open, and fly back to their host trees, typically in late April to early May. They first feed on the fallen boxelder seeds and later move to the female boxelder trees when the seeds begin to form, feeding on the newly developing leaves.

The primary host plant is the seed-bearing boxelder tree, but they also occur on seed-bearing Silver Maple trees, Acer Saccharinum 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 side of bricks, trees, and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses congregate, they may fly to nearby buildings to hibernate for the winter.