TRUE BUGS

Boxelder Bug, Boisea trivittata

Order: Hemiptera (True bugs)

Size: Up to 1⁄2"

Habitat: Deciduous woodlands with trees of the maple family and nearby fields

Range: Throughout North America

The Boxelder Bug is another of our true bugs, with the characteristic X-shaped pattern on the back formed from the overlapping wings and a triangular top section of the thorax. The body is elongate, tapering to a small head, and has fairly long legs and antennae. It is black or dark brown with red-orange marks on the forewings and thorax. Nymphs are like smaller adults but uniformly bright red. These bugs are often found in large, unorganized aggregations soaking up the sunlight. They feed on seeds, fruits, and the leaves of box elder, ash, and a variety of maples by piercing with a specialized beak and sucking out the juices. They are generally not considered pests, but in cold seasons they may migrate into homes in large numbers. Although in a separate family than the stink bugs, they can emit a foul odor if disturbed.