DOCSLIB.ORG

Boxelder Bugs William M

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Boxelder Bugs William M Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet 95 Revised February 2011 U.S. Department of Agriculture • Forest Service Boxelder Bugs William M. Ciesla1 and Ryan P. Hanavan2 Boxelder bug, Boisea trivittata (Say), throughout the eastern United States is native to much of North America and adjoining portions of Canada and can be found wherever its west through the Great Plains. It also principle host boxelder, Acer negundo, occurs in riparian areas in the central occurs. The western boxelder bug, B. and southern Rocky Mountains, the rubrolineata (Barber), occurs from Colorado Plateau and the Central British Columbia, Canada, south to Valley of California. Isolated California and east to Nevada, Utah populations are also found in portions and Texas. These insects are members of Mexico and Guatemala. This tree of the family Rhopalidae (Hemiptera), is widely used in windbreak plantings the scentless plant bugs. in the Great Plains and West because of its tolerance to drought and cold Host Plants temperatures. It has a fi brous root Boxelder is the most common host plant for both boxelder bug and western boxelder bug. This small to medium sized tree is the most widely distributed of the North American maples and occurs 1Forest Entomologist, Forest Health Management International, Fort Collins, CO (Retired USDA Forest Service). 2Forest Entomologist, USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, Southwestern Region, Flagstaff, AZ. Evidence of Infestation The most conspicuous evidence of boxelder bug infestations is aggregations of brightly colored nymphs and adults on the bark of female boxelder trees, or on sides of homes and other buildings that may be in close proximity to these trees (Figure 2). These aggregations are most common in autumn. Inspection of female boxelder trees may reveal nymphs or adults feeding on seeds, either individually or in small groups, throughout the growing season (Figure 3). Economic Importance Boxelder bugs generally confine their feeding to seeds or fruits and, other than reducing the Figure 1. Figure 1. Racemes or seeds of boxelder are the favorite host of boxelder bugs. quantity of viable seed or damaging fruits, they do not system, which makes it a popular tree injure their host plants. They are to plant for erosion control. Boxelder primarily household pests. The most is also used as an ornamental tree significant effect of these insects in urban settings. This maple is occurs in autumn when thousands dioecious and individual trees produce of boxelder bugs may congregate to either male or female flowers. The overwinter in and around homes or female flowers develop into clusters buildings near where female boxelder of drooping, seed bearing racemes, trees or other host plants occur. Once which are the primary food source they gain entrance to homes, they of boxelder bugs (Figure 1). Feeding can stain draperies, other fabrics and may also occur on foliage and walls with their feces and emit an succulent shoots. unpleasant odor. In addition, the mere presence of large numbers of these Other host plants include other insects in homes or other buildings is species of maples, Acer spp. and ash, a nuisance. Fraxinus spp. Feeding may also occur on plants of agricultural importance Description of Life Stages including fruit and nut trees, grapes and strawberries. Feeding by western Boxelder bugs undergo partial boxelder bug can damage crops of metamorphosis and have three life fruit trees, pistachios and almonds. stages: egg, nymph and adult. Both nymphs and adults are similar in 2 Figure 2 (above). Aggregations of boxelder bug nymphs and adults are a common sight on or near female boxelder trees in autumn. Figure 3 (below). Boxelder bug nymphs on racemes (seeds) of boxelder. appearance and have sucking mouthparts specialized for piercing and sucking plant juices. The major difference is that adults have fully developed wings and are capable of flight whereas nymphs have rudimentary non-functioning wing pads. Eggs are rusty red, about 0.06 inches (1.5 mm) long and 0.03 inches (0.76 mm) wide and ovoid in shape. They are deposited in small clusters on flat surfaces such as leaves or in rows in a crevice (Figure 4). Nymphs are soft bodied, with a bright orange-red body color and a brown head, antennae, legs and wing pads. As nymphs increase in size, they develop more conspicuous wing pads (Figure 5). 3 Figure 4. Egg mass and first instar nymph of boxelder bug. Adults are about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) long. Color of the body, head, antennae and legs is dark brown to black. The eyes are red and the prothorax and wings are edged with narrow orange-red bands. Abdomens are orange-red (Figure 6). Adults of the boxelder and western boxelder bugs are similar in appearance. The orange-red bands of the western boxelder bug are slightly narrower and paler in color. Life History and Habits In most areas, boxelder bugs have two generations per year. However, in areas of cooler climates and shorter growing seasons, there may be only one Figure 5. Boxelder bug nymphs . generation per year. In autumn, with the onset of cool weather, 4 Figure 6. Boxelder bug Boisea trivittata, adult. feeding stops and large numbers of of female boxelder trees. Eggs hatch adults and nymphs congregate in large in 10 -14 days and nymphs feed on groups in a warm location, usually leaves, succulent branches or on the southern or western exposures of developing seeds. They may also tree trunks before they seek locations feed on developing fruits of apple, in which to spend the winter. They apricot, pear, plum and other stone move to sheltered places under fruit trees. By mid-summer the first rocks, steps, decking, sidewalks or generation nymphs have matured the insides of buildings. Only adults to adults and eggs of the second survive the winter and nymphs that generation are deposited. Individuals fail to complete their development are of the second generation are typically killed by early frosts. Overwintering more numerous than those of the first adults are inactive during most of the generation. winter but will become active and feed on warm, sunny days. Feeding is Related Species typically limited to dry plant material and house plants, depending on the Red-shouldered or golden raintree overwintering site. bug, Jadera haematoloma (Herrich- Schaefer), has a similar life history In spring, as the buds of boxelder and has a slight resemblance to trees open, adults emerge from their boxelder bugs. Nymphs and adults overwintering sites and feed on the feed on seeds of golden raintree, previous year’s crop of boxelder seeds. Koelreteria paniculata, which is Females deposit eggs on leaves, native to Asia and widely planted in grasses or cracks and bark crevices North America as an ornamental tree, 5 and several other plants. This insect Removal of female boxelder trees can also be a home invader. located near buildings, where populations may occur year after year, Management eliminates the source of boxelder bugs that enter homes. A number Management of boxelder bug is of municipalities have enacted directed toward preventing the adults ordinances that prohibit planting from entering buildings to overwinter. of female boxelder trees to prevent buildup of boxelder bug populations in Risk of entry into homes can be urban forests. If homeowners wish to reduced by repairing windows or plant boxelder trees, they should select door screens that are torn; screening seedless cultivars, such as “Baron,” of crawl space openings, vents, and which are not attractive to boxelder louvers; caulking of cracks around bugs. windows, doors, vents, light fixtures, pipes, conduits, and air conditioners; Additional Information and attaching weather-stripping to door bottoms. Clearing and disposal Forest landowners and homeowners of fallen seeds from beneath or near can obtain more information, host trees eliminates a food source for including currently registered adults as they emerge in spring. and effective insecticides from County Extension Agents, State Aggregations of boxelder bugs near Forestry Departments, or State or on the outside of homes can be Agriculture Departments. Federal treated by application of soap or resource managers should contact laundry detergents dissolved in USDA, Forest Service, Forest water or simply an application of hot Health Protection (www.fs.fed.us/ water. Add five tablespoons of liquid foresthealth/). This publication detergent or ½ cup of dry laundry and other Forest Insect and Disease detergent to a gallon of water and Leaflets can be found at www.fs.usda. spray the mixture directly on the gov/goto/fhp/fidls. insects. Avoid spraying this mixture on foliage because it can damage leaves. This kills only those insects that are in direct contact with the spray. Repeated applications may be necessary if new aggregations appear. Infestations inside homes and building are best treated by collecting the insects with a vacuum cleaner and destroying them. Chemical control is rarely needed and should be a measure of last resort. Moreover, boxelder bugs have developed resistance to many commercially available insecticides. 6 References Sorenson, C., D. Jeppson, and K.B. Badertscher. 2006. Managing Anton, E.W. 1993. Western boxelder boxelder bugs. University of Nevada, bug, Boisea rubrolineata (Barber). Reno, NV, Cooperative Extension, Washington State University, Tree Fact Sheet 06-84. 4 p. Fruit Research and Extension Center, Orchard Pest Management http//jenny. Wollerman, E.H. 1971. Boxelder bug. tfrec.wsu.edu/opm/displaySpecies. USDA Forest Service, Forest Pest php?pn=200. (Accessed 9 December Leaflet 95. 6 p. 2010). Bauerfeind, R.J. 2005. Boxelder and Acknowledgements red-shouldered bugs. Kansas State An earlier draft of this manuscript was University Agricultural Experiment reviewed by David A. Leatherman, Station and Cooperative Extension Entomologist, Colorado State Forest Service. Home and Horticultural Pests Service, Fort Collins, CO (retired), MF-2580. and Tom DeGomez, Associate Extension Specialist, Northern Colorado State University 2004.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Pest Alert: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha Halys
    OREGON DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FACT SHEETS AND PEST ALERTS Pest Alert: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys Introduction Brown Marmorated Stink Bug The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha adult nymph newly-hatched halys, is an Asian species first detected in North America nymphs in Pennsylvania in 1996, and in Oregon in 2004. BMSB has since been detected in 43 states. In Oregon it is es- tablished statewide, in the western region from Portland to Ashland, and in the north east to Hood River. More recently it has been found in coastal counties and is likely still expanding its range and increasing in abundance around Oregon. A threat to Oregon agriculture BMSB is a major agricultural pest in Asia, attacking many crops. It is a significant agricultural pest in the Mid-At- lantic states of the U.S., attacking tree fruits, peppers, tomatoes, corn, berries, grapes, soybeans, melons, and even damaging young trees by feeding through the bark. BMSB is known to feed on over 170 species of plants. The insect threatens an estimated $21 billion worth of crops in the United States alone. Some commercial agri- cultural damage by BMSB has been reported in Oregon. Some home gardeners have reported extensive damage to beans, cucumbers, raspberries, hops, and several species A brown marmorated stink bug feeding on a mature hazelnut. BMSB of ornamental plants. is able to feed on tree nuts through the shell using its long mouthparts. Damage to crops Stink bugs feed by inserting their long, straw-like mouth parts into plants and sucking out the liquid inside.
    [Show full text]
  • Arthropods of Elm Fork Preserve
    Arthropods of Elm Fork Preserve Arthropods are characterized by having jointed limbs and exoskeletons. They include a diverse assortment of creatures: Insects, spiders, crustaceans (crayfish, crabs, pill bugs), centipedes and millipedes among others. Column Headings Scientific Name: The phenomenal diversity of arthropods, creates numerous difficulties in the determination of species. Positive identification is often achieved only by specialists using obscure monographs to ‘key out’ a species by examining microscopic differences in anatomy. For our purposes in this survey of the fauna, classification at a lower level of resolution still yields valuable information. For instance, knowing that ant lions belong to the Family, Myrmeleontidae, allows us to quickly look them up on the Internet and be confident we are not being fooled by a common name that may also apply to some other, unrelated something. With the Family name firmly in hand, we may explore the natural history of ant lions without needing to know exactly which species we are viewing. In some instances identification is only readily available at an even higher ranking such as Class. Millipedes are in the Class Diplopoda. There are many Orders (O) of millipedes and they are not easily differentiated so this entry is best left at the rank of Class. A great deal of taxonomic reorganization has been occurring lately with advances in DNA analysis pointing out underlying connections and differences that were previously unrealized. For this reason, all other rankings aside from Family, Genus and Species have been omitted from the interior of the tables since many of these ranks are in a state of flux.
    [Show full text]
  • Insects That Feed on Trees and Shrubs
    INSECTS THAT FEED ON COLORADO TREES AND SHRUBS1 Whitney Cranshaw David Leatherman Boris Kondratieff Bulletin 506A TABLE OF CONTENTS DEFOLIATORS .................................................... 8 Leaf Feeding Caterpillars .............................................. 8 Cecropia Moth ................................................ 8 Polyphemus Moth ............................................. 9 Nevada Buck Moth ............................................. 9 Pandora Moth ............................................... 10 Io Moth .................................................... 10 Fall Webworm ............................................... 11 Tiger Moth ................................................. 12 American Dagger Moth ......................................... 13 Redhumped Caterpillar ......................................... 13 Achemon Sphinx ............................................. 14 Table 1. Common sphinx moths of Colorado .......................... 14 Douglas-fir Tussock Moth ....................................... 15 1. Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension etnomologist and associate professor, entomology; David Leatherman, entomologist, Colorado State Forest Service; Boris Kondratieff, associate professor, entomology. 8/93. ©Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. 1994. For more information, contact your county Cooperative Extension office. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
    [Show full text]
  • Boxelder Bug
    BOXELDER BUG Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals The western boxelder bug (Boisea rubrolineata) is often a nuisance pest around and in homes. Boxelder bugs usually feed on the leaves, flowers, and seedpods of the female or seedbearing box elder tree (Acer negundo), although they may also subsist on male box elder trees and occasionally occur on maple and ash trees. They may feed on the fruits of almond, apple, cherry, peach, Figure 1. Boxelder bug adult and nymphs. Figure 2. Young nymph of western box- pear, and plum trees, and on grapes, (J. K. Clark) elder bug, Boisea rubrolineata. where their feeding punctures cause (J. K. Clark) the fruit to become deformed. Large numbers of the bug usually occur only on female box elder trees. IDENTIFICATION When full grown, the boxelder bug is about 1/2 inch long and one-third as wide. Adults are mostly black and have three red lines on the pronotum of the thorax (one down the middle and on each margin) and several fine Figure 3. Boxelder bug eggs on leaf. Figure 4. Adult squash bug. red lines on each wing (Figure 1). The (J. K. Clark) (J. K. Clark) wings lie flat on the bug’s back when it is at rest. The abdomen is red. The young nymphs are bright red (Figure 2) and when approaching adulthood, become marked with black and begin to develop black wing pads. Eggs are yellow when first laid but become red as nymphs develop inside (Figure 3). Boxelder bugs are true bugs (Order: Hemiptera) in the family Rhopalidae.
    [Show full text]
  • File Copy 161
    FILE COPY 161 Overwintering Aggregation of Boisea rubrolineatus (Heteroptera: Rhopalidae) in Western Oregon T. D. SCHOWALTER Department of Entomology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 Environ. Entomol. 15: 1055-1056 (1986) ABSTRACT Overwintering behavior of Boisea rubrolineatus (Barber) was studied during 1984-85. Large numbers of this insect aggregated on a single, large Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, tree, with deep bark fissures, at the edge of a stand ca. 1 km from a grove of maples, Acer macrophyllum Pursh, the feeding host. Other trees near the over- wintering site were smaller and lacked deep bark fissures, or were shaded by trees along the edge of the stand. Density measurement was used to estimate number of overwintering insects at ca. 8,000. These results demonstrate the degree of aggregative behavior in this insect and suggest that aspects of stand structure influence the availability of suitable over- wintering sites. KEY WORDS Boisea rubrolineatus, population dynamics, forest structure, resource uti- lization, overwintering site selection THE SURVIVAL OF overwintering adults of several pies, Acer macrophyllum Pursh, ca. 1 km N of the forest insect species may be critical to population overwintering site. These maples are the major trends and economic impacts (Furniss Carolin feeding host of this insect (Furniss Carolin 1977) 1977, Schowalter et al. 1986). Behavioral attributes and supported large populations of B. rubrolinea- of overwintering insects can influence the survival tus during spring and summer (personal observa- of such species (Tinker 1952, Pettinger Johnson tion). These trees were exposed to solar radiation 1962), but little information exists on overwinter- but lacked deep (>1 cm) bark crevices.
    [Show full text]
  • Boxelder Bug Nuisance Management for Homeowners
    CIS 1155 Boxelder Bug Nuisance Management for Homeowners by Danielle Gunn and Edward John Bechinski Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance pest in Figure 1. Idaho homes and yards. Although not particu- Comparative larly harmful, these insects can be aggravating life-size boxelder when they are searching for places to spend the bug 1st-stage winter. nymph (left) and adult (right). This publication will help you understand both the seasonal biology of boxelder bugs in Idaho, and landscape features that increase pest prob- lems. We discuss the relative importance of these insects as pests. Practical steps you can take to reduce nuisance problems include alternatives to insecticides and safe, effective insecticide use. Identification Boxelder bugs develop through three life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Figure 1 shows the actual body sizes of a newly hatched nymph and a mature adult. Adults are the most commonly encountered life Figure 2. Adult boxelder bugs, Boisea trivittata, are stage. Adult boxelder bugs are flattened, elon- distinctively marked with red lines on a slate-gray back- gate insects approximately one-half-inch long ground. (not including antennae). Overall upper body color is slate gray to black. Reddish orange lines appear behind the head and along the sides of the body (Figure 2). The rest of the body under the wings is red with two rows of black spots. Legs and antennae are black. Eggs. Small red eggs occur in clusters on box- elder and maple trees. Elongate eggs one-six- teenth-inch long are laid in groups of about ten on the bark and leaves of host trees and sur- rounding areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Hemiptera: Heteroptera) with a Review of the Eggs of This Family
    ACTA ENTOMOLOGICA MUSEI NATIONALIS PRAGAE Published 30.vi.2010 Volume 50(1), pp. 75–95 ISSN 0374-1036 The external morphology of eggs of three Rhopalidae species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) with a review of the eggs of this family Jitka VILÍMOVÁ & Markéta ROHANOVÁ Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Praha 2, Czech Republic; e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract. The external morphology of eggs and manner of oviposition of three rhopalid species, Brachycarenus tigrinus (Schilling, 1829), Chorosoma schillingi (Schilling, 1829) and Rhopalus (Aeschyntelus) maculatus (Fieber, 1837) are described. The eggs were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and the results complete previous observations.The emphasis of the study is on the characteristics of eggs and details of oviposition in representatives of the family Rhopalidae. The chorionic origin of attachment stalk was confi rmed only in the Chorosomatini. A completely smooth egg chorion was recognized in R. (A.) maculatus, as a unique condition within at least the Pentatomomorpha. Key words. Rhopalidae, Rhopalini, Chorosomatini, Brachycarenus tigrinus, Cho- rosoma schillingi, Rhopalus (Aeschyntelus) maculatus, egg structure, micropylar processes, chorion, attachment stalk, oviposition Introduction Heteroptera eggs have a stable shape due to a sclerotized chorion. Egg morphology is helpful for taxonomic and phylogenetic purposes. The morphology of heteropteran eggs varies distinctly among taxa; for details see two monographs: SOUTHWOOD (1956) and COB- BEN (1968). Both authors mentioned that the eggs of the coreoid family Rhopalidae have a specifi c morphological pattern (e.g. two micropylar processes). COBBEN (1968) not only compared the morphology of heteropteran eggs but made phylogenetic inferences from their important characters.
    [Show full text]
  • Taxonomic Groups of Insects, Mites and Spiders
    List Supplemental Information Content Taxonomic Groups of Insects, Mites and Spiders Pests of trees and shrubs Class Arachnida, Spiders and mites elm bark beetle, smaller European Scolytus multistriatus Order Acari, Mites and ticks elm bark beetle, native Hylurgopinus rufipes pine bark engraver, Ips pini Family Eriophyidae, Leaf vagrant, gall, erinea, rust, or pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda eriophyid mites ash flower gall mite, Aceria fraxiniflora Order Hemiptera, True bugs, aphids, and scales elm eriophyid mite, Aceria parulmi Family Adelgidae, Pine and spruce aphids eriophyid mites, several species Cooley spruce gall adelgid, Adelges cooleyi hemlock rust mite, Nalepella tsugifoliae Eastern spruce gall adelgid, Adelges abietis maple spindlegall mite, Vasates aceriscrumena hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae maple velvet erineum gall, several species pine bark adelgid, Pineus strobi Family Tarsonemidae, Cyclamen and tarsonemid mites Family Aphididae, Aphids cyclamen mite, Phytonemus pallidus balsam twig aphid, Mindarus abietinus Family Tetranychidae, Freeranging, spider mites, honeysuckle witches’ broom aphid, tetranychid mites Hyadaphis tataricae boxwood spider mite, Eurytetranychus buxi white pine aphid, Cinara strobi clover mite, Bryobia praetiosa woolly alder aphid, Paraprociphilus tessellatus European red mite, Panonychus ulmi woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum honeylocust spider mite, Eotetranychus multidigituli Family Cercopidae, Froghoppers or spittlebugs spruce spider mite, Oligonychus ununguis spittlebugs, several
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Arthropods Bandelier National Monument
    A Guide to Arthropods Bandelier National Monument Top left: Melanoplus akinus Top right: Vanessa cardui Bottom left: Elodes sp. Bottom right: Wolf Spider (Family Lycosidae) by David Lightfoot Compiled by Theresa Murphy Nov 2012 In collaboration with Collin Haffey, Craig Allen, David Lightfoot, Sandra Brantley and Kay Beeley WHAT ARE ARTHROPODS? And why are they important? What’s the difference between Arthropods and Insects? Most of this guide is comprised of insects. These are animals that have three body segments- head, thorax, and abdomen, three pairs of legs, and usually have wings, although there are several wingless forms of insects. Insects are of the Class Insecta and they make up the largest class of the phylum called Arthropoda (arthropods). However, the phylum Arthopoda includes other groups as well including Crustacea (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, barnacles, etc.), Myriapoda (millipedes, centipedes, etc.) and Arachnida (scorpions, king crabs, spiders, mites, ticks, etc.). Arthropods including insects and all other animals in this phylum are characterized as animals with a tough outer exoskeleton or body-shell and flexible jointed limbs that allow the animal to move. Although this guide is comprised mostly of insects, some members of the Myriapoda and Arachnida can also be found here. Remember they are all arthropods but only some of them are true ‘insects’. Entomologist - A scientist who focuses on the study of insects! What’s bugging entomologists? Although we tend to call all insects ‘bugs’ according to entomology a ‘true bug’ must be of the Order Hemiptera. So what exactly makes an insect a bug? Insects in the order Hemiptera have sucking, beak-like mouthparts, which are tucked under their “chin” when Metallic Green Bee (Agapostemon sp.) not in use.
    [Show full text]
  • Boxelder Bug Boisea Trivittata (Say); Family: Rhopalidae
    IDL INSECT DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY Cornell University, Dept. of Entomology, 2144 Comstock Hall, Ithaca NY 14853-2601 Boxelder Bug Boisea trivittata (Say); Family: Rhopalidae Boxelder bug (adult); actual size about 1/2 inch long. Photo © 2012 by Jason J. Dombroskie. Injury The boxelder bug may be a pest of outdoor trees as well as a household nuisance. It is the latter that is of most concern to homeowners. The bugs overwinter as adults and nymphs in protected dry places, often in wall voids or attics of houses and buildings. During warm days in the fall and again in the spring, the bugs become active and invade homes, creating a nuisance. They do not feed while indoors. Description The adult boxelder bug is about 1/2 inch in length, and brownish-black in color, with red stripes on the thorax and wing margins. The body is also bright red. Eggs are straw-yellow to rusty-red in color and are not often seen, as they are deposited on boxelder trees (Acer negundo) or other maples, or near the trees. The nymphs, which are found on the trees, are bright red in color with the front half darker. Nymphs resemble adults but do not have fully developed wings and are not able to reproduce. The change from nymph to adult is a gradual one. Life History The boxelder bugs pass the winter in the adult and sometimes nymphal stages in dry, sheltered places where they have accumulated in gregarious masses. They often choose buildings or houses as a protected place to overwinter. When weather warms up in the spring, the bugs leave their places of hibernation to fly to boxelder trees, where they deposit their eggs.
    [Show full text]
  • SP341-H Boxelder Bugs and Red-Shouldered Bugs
    Agricultural Extension Service The University of Tennessee SP341-H Insects Boxelder Bugs and Red-Shouldered Bugs Karen Vail, Associate Professor, Frank Hale, Associate Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology, and William Klingeman, Assistant Professor, Plant Sciences & Landscape Systems Originally developed by Harry Williams, Professor Emeritus, Entomology and Plant Pathology Boxelder bugs, Boisea trivittata (Say), are a nui- Identification sance, especially during the cool autumn months when Adult boxelder bugs are flat, about 1/2 inch long, they cluster in large numbers on the sides of trees, 1/3 inch wide and dark brownish-black with three houses and other structures. This pest enters buildings lengthwise red stripes on the pronotum (area behind through cracks and openings and spends the winter the head). Wings are thick and leathery at the base and hibernating behind exterior siding and in attics, soffits, membranous at the tip. There are red veins in the wall voids, window/door casings and similar protected wings; the abdomen is bright red under the wings areas. Boxelder bugs may also take refuge in soil and (Figure 1). The nymphs resemble the adults in shape leaf litter next to foundations. With the onset of warmer except they are smaller, wingless and bright red. Eggs weather in late winter and spring, these bugs become are red (Figure 2). Boxelder bugs are found through- active and emerge from their overwintering sites. As out the state. they attempt to escape to their natural habitat outdoors, It has recently come to our attention that another some inadvertently disperse inward into living areas, bug, the red-shouldered bug, Jadera haematoloma emerging from beneath baseboards, behind window and (Herrich-Schaffer), has been confused with boxelder door frames, from within sash-cord openings and bugs.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Boxelder Bug, Boisea Trivittata (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae) Confirmation in Arkansas S
    Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science Volume 69 Article 24 2015 Eastern Boxelder Bug, Boisea trivittata (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae) Confirmation in Arkansas S. W. Chordas III Ohio State University C. T. McAllister Eastern Oklahoma State College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas Part of the Entomology Commons Recommended Citation Chordas, S. W. III and McAllister, C. T. (2015) "Eastern Boxelder Bug, Boisea trivittata (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae) Confirmation in Arkansas," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 69 , Article 24. Available at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol69/iss1/24 This article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able to read, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This General Note is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 69 [2015], Art. 24 The Eastern Boxelder Bug, Boisea trivittata (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae): Confirmation in Arkansas S.W. Chordas III1 and C.T. McAllister2* 1Center for Life Sciences Education, The Ohio State University, 260 Jennings Hall, 1735 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 2Science and Mathematics Division, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Idabel, OK 74745 *Correspondence: [email protected] Running Title: The Eastern Boxelder Bug in Arkansas The documented hemipteran fauna of Arkansas has grown tremendously since taxa listed in Henry and Froeschner (1988).
    [Show full text]