# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 55 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Eastern Boxelder Bug](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Eastern_Boxelder_Bug_-_Flickr_-_treegrow.jpg&width=800) Photo: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_Boxelder_Bug_-_Flickr_-_treegrow.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Rhopalidae - **Genus:** Boisea ## 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 - **Warning Wear:** Eastern Boxelder Bug has bright red markings that help them warn predators they might not taste good, keeping them safer. - **Sap Sipper:** Eastern Boxelder Bug can drink tree sap using a straw-like mouthpart, allowing them to extract nutrients from plants. - **Sun Seeker:** Eastern Boxelder Bug can gather in large groups on warm surfaces to absorb heat, helping them stay cozy in cooler weather. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sugar-maple) (*Acer saccharum*) — Consumes sap and seeds from sugar maple trees. - **Eats:** [Red Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-maple) (*Acer rubrum*) — Feeds on sap and seeds from red maple trees. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Boxelder bugs are safe to observe, but don't touch them too much. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Eastern Boxelder Bug? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Abbott Farm Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/abbott-farm-historic-district) — New Jersey, US · Historic District - [Broadway Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/broadway-avenue-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Capitol Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/capitol-park-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Central Shelby Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/central-shelby-historic-district) — North Carolina, US · Historic District - [Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/delaware-division-of-the-pennsylvania-canal) — Pennsylvania, US · Historic Site - [Downtown Quincy Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/downtown-quincy-historic-district) — Illinois, US · Historic District [View all places to see Eastern Boxelder Bug](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/eastern-boxelder-bug) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Eastern Boxelder Bug: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-boxelder-bug)