Eastern Boxelder Bug
ExploreInsects
Eastern Boxelder Bug
Boisea trivittata
The Eastern Boxelder Bug is a small, colorful insect that loves to bask in the sun. They are often seen on trees and can be found in gardens during warm months.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Eastern Boxelder Bug is a striking insect with an elongated, flattened black body. It has distinctive bright red or orange markings outlining the wings and edges of its abdomen, along with a prominent red stripe behind its head.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyRhopalidaeGenusBoisea
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby boxelder bugs, called nymphs, are bright red with a tiny black head!
Boxelder bugs have a 'true bug' mouth, like a straw, perfect for sipping sap!
Sometimes, many gather on a single tree, making the bark look reddish-orange!
They are not considered harmful to people or pets, just a nuisance sometimes.
Special abilities
Ability
Warning Wear
Eastern Boxelder Bug has bright red markings that help them warn predators they might not taste good, keeping them safer.
Ability
Sap Sipper
Eastern Boxelder Bug can drink tree sap using a straw-like mouthpart, allowing them to extract nutrients from plants.
Ability
Sun Seeker
Eastern Boxelder Bug can gather in large groups on warm surfaces to absorb heat, helping them stay cozy in cooler weather.
Ability
Stinky Shield
Eastern Boxelder Bug can release a bad-smelling liquid when disturbed, helping them deter potential attackers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-28 mm
- Size
- 11-14 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-90 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 500
Diet & Feeding
Boxelder bugs mostly sip sweet sap and juices from seeds of specific trees, like boxelders.
Primary Foods
- Boxelder tree sap
- Maple tree sap
- Ash tree sap
- Boxelder seeds
- Maple seeds
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Boxelder
Acer negundo
Feeds on sap and seeds from this primary host tree.
eats
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Consumes sap and seeds from sugar maple trees.
eats
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Feeds on sap and seeds from red maple trees.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Boxelder bugs are safe to observe, but don't touch them too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eastern Boxelder Bug's wingspan?
20-28 mm
How big is Eastern Boxelder Bug?
11-14 mm
How long does Eastern Boxelder Bug live?
60-90 days
What does Eastern Boxelder Bug eat?
Boxelder bugs mostly sip sweet sap and juices from seeds of specific trees, like boxelders.
Where is Eastern Boxelder Bug usually found?
Urban areas
How does Eastern Boxelder Bug hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Eastern Boxelder Bug have?
6
How large are Eastern Boxelder Bug colonies?
500
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