Insect ID?

Whimsey · 10-09-2012, 10:14 AM

My house has been invaded this week with a 1" - 1 1/4" inch flying bug pictured below. Any budding entomologists out there who can help me ID? Closest I can find is the Western Conifer Seed Bug, but the pattern on the back isn't right. Buzzes when flying. Thanks.

HellRaZoR004 · 10-09-2012, 10:28 AM

Interesting. Do they stink if you squish them?

Whimsey · 10-09-2012, 10:50 AM

No stink...happy to report.

PaugusBayFireFighter · 10-09-2012, 12:17 PM

I'd say, by this picture, you're probably right about this being the Western Conifer Seed Bug. The "fish body" like markings on the sides of the abdomen match the one in your picture.

Below is a quote from one site I found, hope this helps relieve any worries

"They look offensive, but they don't bite, they don't do any damage to your home,” said Nute, calling the bugs a nuisance.

Like stink bugs, these guys give off an odor and they may leave a little brown stain on your wall if you crush them, said Nute. Instead, Nute recommends releasing them back outside if they have sought warmer climes in your home, or vacuuming them up will do just fine.

According to a file on UNH Cooperative Extension's website, the "adult WCSB is a dull brownish color, about 3/4-inch long, with a flattened leaf-like expansion on the hind legs and a faint white zigzag stripe pattern across the midpoint of its upper surface. When an adult insect takes flight, it lifts its wings to reveal bright yellow-orange areas on its back.

“In flight, the adults make a buzzing sound like a bumblebee.”

Lakesrider · 10-09-2012, 12:34 PM

Yeah I had one in my house last year. I thought I heard a bee but it was one of those things.....

WakeboardMom · 10-09-2012, 05:17 PM

According to this article, the western conifer seed bug and the "stink bug" are one and the same. Apparently lots of folks are dealing with them. Enjoy the article. ; )

http://nashua.patch.com/articles/sti...house-56a7fc07

Whimsey · 10-09-2012, 05:24 PM

Actually the article says they are not the same, but thanks for your input and the link.

"They aren't actually stink bugs, though they stink if you crush them, said Jon Nute, an extension field specialist in the natural resources department at the UNH Cooperative Extension's Hillsborough County branch. They are western conifer seed bugs, Nute said, and thankfully the recent invasion is as harmless as a lady bug infestation."

10-09-2012, 10:14 AM	#1
Whimsey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Rum Point/West Alton Posts: 196 Thanks: 261 Thanked 37 Times in 24 Posts	Insect ID? My house has been invaded this week with a 1" - 1 1/4" inch flying bug pictured below. Any budding entomologists out there who can help me ID? Closest I can find is the Western Conifer Seed Bug, but the pattern on the back isn't right. Buzzes when flying. Thanks. Attached Images

10-09-2012, 12:17 PM	#4
PaugusBayFireFighter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 837 Thanks: 361 Thanked 674 Times in 264 Posts	I'd say, by this picture, you're probably right about this being the Western Conifer Seed Bug. The "fish body" like markings on the sides of the abdomen match the one in your picture. Below is a quote from one site I found, hope this helps relieve any worries "They look offensive, but they don't bite, they don't do any damage to your home,” said Nute, calling the bugs a nuisance. Like stink bugs, these guys give off an odor and they may leave a little brown stain on your wall if you crush them, said Nute. Instead, Nute recommends releasing them back outside if they have sought warmer climes in your home, or vacuuming them up will do just fine. According to a file on UNH Cooperative Extension's website, the "adult WCSB is a dull brownish color, about 3/4-inch long, with a flattened leaf-like expansion on the hind legs and a faint white zigzag stripe pattern across the midpoint of its upper surface. When an adult insect takes flight, it lifts its wings to reveal bright yellow-orange areas on its back. “In flight, the adults make a buzzing sound like a bumblebee.” Attached Images

10-09-2012, 05:17 PM	#6
WakeboardMom Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: NH X 2 Posts: 508 Thanks: 595 Thanked 113 Times in 92 Posts	According to this article, the western conifer seed bug and the "stink bug" are one and the same. Apparently lots of folks are dealing with them. Enjoy the article. ; ) http://nashua.patch.com/articles/sti...house-56a7fc07 __________________ MarieM

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10-09-2012, 10:28 AM	#2
HellRaZoR004 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Litchfield/Gilford Posts: 828 Thanks: 233 Thanked 224 Times in 131 Posts	Interesting. Do they stink if you squish them?

10-09-2012, 10:50 AM	#3
Whimsey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Rum Point/West Alton Posts: 196 Thanks: 261 Thanked 37 Times in 24 Posts	No stink...happy to report.

The Following User Says Thank You to PaugusBayFireFighter For This Useful Post:
Whimsey (10-09-2012)

10-09-2012, 12:34 PM	#5
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	Yeah I had one in my house last year. I thought I heard a bee but it was one of those things.....

The Following User Says Thank You to WakeboardMom For This Useful Post:
Whimsey (10-09-2012)

10-09-2012, 05:24 PM	#7
Whimsey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Rum Point/West Alton Posts: 196 Thanks: 261 Thanked 37 Times in 24 Posts	Actually the article says they are not the same, but thanks for your input and the link. "They aren't actually stink bugs, though they stink if you crush them, said Jon Nute, an extension field specialist in the natural resources department at the UNH Cooperative Extension's Hillsborough County branch. They are western conifer seed bugs, Nute said, and thankfully the recent invasion is as harmless as a lady bug infestation."

The Following User Says Thank You to Whimsey For This Useful Post:
WakeboardMom (10-09-2012)