# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 12 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Western Boxelder Bug](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Western_Box_Elder_Bug_-_Boisea_rubrolineata%252C_near_Bassetts%252C_California.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Box_Elder_Bug_-_Boisea_rubrolineata%252C_near_Bassetts%252C_California.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Rhopalidae - **Genus:** Boisea ## 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 - **Stinky Shield:** Western Boxelder Bugs can release a foul-smelling liquid that helps them deter hungry predators. - **Sun Seeker:** Western Boxelder Bugs have a dark body that helps them absorb warmth from the sun, especially in cooler weather. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bigleaf-maple) (*Acer macrophyllum*) — feeds on the seeds and sap of this native maple. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — may occasionally eat young or hungry boxelder bugs. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [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. - [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 These bugs are safe to watch, but don't touch them too much. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Western 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Berry Botanic Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/berry-botanic-garden) — Oregon, US · Botanical Garden - [Bloedel Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bloedel-reserve) — Washington, US · Botanical Garden - [E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/e-e-wilson-wildlife-area) — Oregon, US · Nature Reserve - [P Ranch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/p-ranch) — Oregon, US · Historic Site - [Aurora Colony](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/aurora-colony) — Oregon, US · Neighborhood - [Columbia State Historic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/columbia-state-historic-park) — California, US · State Park [View all places to see Western Boxelder Bug](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/western-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: [Western Boxelder Bug: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-boxelder-bug)