Western Boxelder Bug
ExploreInsects
Western Boxelder Bug
Boisea rubrolineata
The Western Boxelder Bug is a small, black bug with bright red lines. They love to gather in sunny spots and can often be seen on trees or walls during warm days.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Western Boxelder Bug has a striking flat, oval-shaped black body with bright red or orange markings. A distinct red line runs along each wing margin, and it often has a red stripe behind its head. Its vibrant coloration helps it stand out.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyRhopalidaeGenusBoisea
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Baby boxelder bugs are bright red all over and don't have wings yet!
Their vivid red and black colors loudly tell birds 'I taste bad, stay away!'
They can suck tasty juices from plant seeds using a long, straw-like mouthpart.
Western Boxelder Bugs often gather in massive groups of thousands on sunny walls!
Special abilities
Ability
Stinky Shield
Western Boxelder Bugs can release a foul-smelling liquid that helps them deter hungry predators.
Ability
Sun Seeker
Western Boxelder Bugs have a dark body that helps them absorb warmth from the sun, especially in cooler weather.
Ability
Seed Sipper
Western Boxelder Bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts that help them drink the sugary juices from seeds.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-25 mm
- Size
- 11-14 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-45 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These bugs mostly drink the sweet sap and juices from the seeds and leaves of various trees.
Primary Foods
- Boxelder tree seeds
- Maple tree seeds
- Ash tree seeds
- Sap
- Fruit
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Boxelder Tree
Acer negundo
drinks sap and eats seeds from this common tree.
depends on
Bigleaf Maple
Acer macrophyllum
feeds on the seeds and sap of this native maple.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
may occasionally eat young or hungry boxelder bugs.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
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.
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
These bugs are safe to watch, but don't touch them too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western Boxelder Bug's wingspan?
20-25 mm
How big is Western Boxelder Bug?
11-14 mm
How long does Western Boxelder Bug live?
15-45 days
What does Western Boxelder Bug eat?
These bugs mostly drink the sweet sap and juices from the seeds and leaves of various trees.
Where is Western Boxelder Bug usually found?
Urban areas
How does Western Boxelder Bug hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Western Boxelder Bug have?
6
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