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Western box elder bug

Western box elder bug

Boisea rubrolineata

A species of Box elder bugs

The western box elder bug (Boisea rubrolineata) is most recognized by the annoyance it causes during the fall, as it has a tendency to invade homes in search of warmer protection. It has a prominent red border against a dark body that makes it easily identifiable. Other than this, they are a fairly harmless insect which may only damage some commercial fruits occasionally.

General Info About Western box elder bug
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Attributes of Western box elder bug
Adult Food Sources
Seeds of boxelder trees (acer negundo), sap of ash trees (fraxinus spp.), foliage of maple trees (acer spp.), seeds of cherry trees (prunus spp.), sap of soapberry trees (sapindus spp.)
Larva Food Source
Sap of ash trees (fraxinus spp.), seeds of boxelder trees (acer negundo), sap of maple trees (acer spp.), foliage of cherry trees (prunus spp.), sap of soapberry trees (sapindus spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Western box elder bug is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Western box elder bug feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Western box elder bug
It is found on the west of North America.
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Distribution Area of Western box elder bug
United States, Southwest Canada
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Appearance of Western box elder bug
Western box elder bug is a small and medium insect. Its body is brown, the back of the chest and its wings have protruding orange-red lines, and its eyes are red.
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How to Identify Western box elder bug?

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Predators of Western box elder bug Larvae
Birds, spiders, predacious insects, rodents
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Predators of Adult Western box elder bug
Birds, spiders, rodents, predaceous insects, small mammals
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Interesting Facts About Western box elder bug
Western box elder bug can survive harsh winters by entering a state called diapause, drastically slowing their metabolism to conserve energy until spring.
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Scientific Classification of Western box elder bug
Tips for Finding Western box elder bug
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Youth Habitat of Western box elder bug
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Western box elder bug
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Western box elder bug
Since western box elder bug are known to feed on tree sap and seeds, an enticing trap could include host plant material or a sweet, sticky substance to mimic tree sap.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Western box elder bug
Mild, dry, and sunny weather conditions are ideal to locate western box elder bug, as they avoid harsh conditions like heavy rain or extremes in temperature.
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How and Where Can You Find Western box elder bug at Different Life Stages
Egg Western box elder bug eggs are typically laid in clusters and are found on the host plants. To find western box elder bug eggs, inspect the undersides of leaves and stems of suspected host plants carefully for small, barrel-shaped eggs.
Nymph Western box elder bug nymphs undergo incomplete metamorphosis, so they resemble smaller versions of adult western box elder bug but without fully developed wings. Look for them on or near the host plants, as they often stay close to their food source.
Adult Adult western box elder bug can be spotted on or around host plants, mostly on the bark, branches, and leaves where they feed on sap. They can also be found sunning on the sides of trees or buildings. To find adult western box elder bug, it's best to quietly observe the host plants and structures where they may congregate.
Are Western box elder bug harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Western box elder bug
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Hurt Plant

The western box elder bug affects multiple plant species. In both adult and nymph stages, it damages leaves, fruits, and seeds by sucking plant fluids and potentially spreading diseases. While impact varies, heavy infestations can lead to severe plant stress or death.

More Effects of Western box elder bug

Common Questions People Also Ask
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