Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann

From: Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Idaho and Montana Forests, USDA Forest Service Northern Region, Publication Number R1-89-54

Hosts. – Douglas-fir, all western pines.

Distribution. – Throughout Idaho and Montana.

Damage. – insect pierces cone scales and feeds upon developing seeds. Entire contents of seed may be removed. Cones may develop normally but produce no viable seed.

Identification. – Nymphs are evident through the summer months, are active, and brightly colored (fig. 143). They reach maturity by late August. Seed bugs are also called leaf-footed bugs--so called because of the flattened tibia on the hind leg (fig. 144). Adults are conspicuous and are strong fliers. They may be seen congregated on branch tips or cones on the sunny side of the tree. They are about 1 inch long, grayish brown with distinctive orange and black markings on upper abdomen when in flight. Adults overwinter and are evident again in early spring.

Similar damages. – Similar damage may be caused by a few other sucking insects, but none is as prevalent as the seed bug.

Link to Images in Forestry Images

References.

Furniss, R. L., and V. M. Carolin. 1977.  Western For. Insects. USDA Forest Serv., Misc. pub. 1339, 654 p., illus.

Hedlen, A. F., H. O. Yates III, D. C. Tovar, B. H. Ebel, T. W. Koerber, and E. P. Merkel. 1980. Cone and seed insects of North American conifers. Can. Forest Serv., USDA For. Serv., Sec. de Agric. y Rec. Hid., Mexico. 122 p., illus.

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