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Boxelder bugs feed on boxelder trees, maple trees, and ash trees. Nymphs feed on the juices found inside the seeds of host plants. Adults eat the leaves, flowers, twigs, and seeds of host plants. Prior to the development of seeds, they eat low vegetation and old seeds found on the ground. Boxelder bugs may eat other boxelder bugs or eggs during molting. Fruits including apples, pears, peaches, plums, and grapes are eaten as well. Boxelder bugs have been reported eating dead insects such as cicadas or ground beetles.
Animal Foods: eggs; insects
Plant Foods: leaves; wood, bark, or stems; seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit
Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore )
Boxelder bugs are prey to some grasshoppers, rodents, birds, praying mantises, and spiders. Adults may eat nymphs, usually during molting. Several predator avoidance tactics are employed. The red markings on the body of adult boxelder bugs, as well as the red color of eggs and early nymph stages, are believed to be aposematic. Adults give off a foul odor if disturbed. Boxelders have a pair of abdominal glands through which unappealing odors can be released to ward off predators. When females lay their eggs, they do so in crevices or under leaves and vegetation to protect eggs from predation. Boxelder bugs also aggregate in very large groups, which may intimidate possible predators.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: aposematic
Boxelder bugs are relatively flat and elongate bugs that are 12.7 mm long on average. They are black or brownish-black with red, line-shaped markings on the sides and center of the pronotum, edges of the forewings, and posterior margins of the abdominal segments. The eyes and first segment of the legs are red. Their eggs are red, elongate, and approximately 1.6 mm in length. Nymphs are red when newly hatched and acquire a darker body and dark markings on the head as they develop. They become the characteristic black or brownish-black color when approximately halfway grown. Nymphs in earlier stages of development lack wings. Females have larger abdomens than males, extending beyond the front edge of the forewings, and have a more rounded rear.
Range length: 10 to 14 mm.
Average length: 12.7 mm.
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike; female larger
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Boxelder bugs have a short lifespan of approximately one year.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 1 years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 1 years.
During spring and summer, boxelder bugs reside on boxelder trees, maple trees, and ash trees. Boxelder bugs usually live in deciduous and mixed forests and meadows. In late fall, boxelder bugs seek shelter for hibernation. Shelters often include buildings and windows around ground floors. They are found gathering in areas of sun because they prefer higher temperatures. This leads them to cluster on the south and west sides of buildings, where the surfaces are heated by sunlight. When not overwintering in or around buildings, boxelder bugs seek shelter under the bark of trees.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: forest
Other Habitat Features: urban ; suburban ; agricultural
Boxelder bugs are native to the western and southwestern United States. Boxelder bugs were introduced into all other regions of the United States as well as southern Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Introduced , Native ); neotropical (Introduced )
Boxelder bugs are primarily folivores. It is thought that the red markings on the back of boxelder bugs warns prey that they are distasteful. However, they are still prey to some grasshoppers, rodents, birds, praying mantises, and spiders. They feed mostly on seeds or trees, but do not cause harm to the trees or environment within which they feed. Trees that host boxelder bugs include bigtooth maples (Acer grandidentatum), boxelder maples (Acer negundo), silver maples (Acer saccharinum), trident maples (Acer buergerianum), and wingleaf soapberries (Sapindus saponaria). Adult boxelder bugs are host to many parasitic flagellates in the intestinal tract. Specifically, Endolimax leptocoridis is an amoeba that was confirmed to reside in the alimentary canal of both adults and nymphs. Entamoeba polypodia are amoebae that were found in the ventriculus, intestine, and anus of some nymphs.
Species Used as Host:
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
There are no known positive economic effects of boxelder bugs on humans.
Boisea trivittata was previously known as Boisea trivittata. Boxelder bugs are a member of the family Rhopalidae, which are known as scentless plant bugs. However, boxelder bugs are extremely redolent.
Adults and nymphs have a pair of scent glands located on the dorsal side of the abdomen that secrete monterpene hydrocarbons and may be used for communication. Boxelder bugs also have a pair of ventral abdominal scent glands through which males secrete an exocrine compound during copulation to stimulate or claim the female. It is speculated that males also use this secretion during confrontations with other males. Males are attracted to the odor secreted by females. Boxelder bugs have compound eyes and ocelli, which are believed to aid in perception of the environment along with antennae, the primary sense organs. There are no acoustic or vibrational signals used for communication.
Communication Channels: chemical
Other Communication Modes: pheromones ; scent marks
Perception Channels: visual ; chemical
Boxelder bugs exist in large numbers and are not endangered.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
Boxelder bugs develop through three life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Eggs hatch after 10 to 14 days. The average length of time spent as a nymph is 50 to 78 days. Nymphs molt 5 times, growing larger with each molt. The stages between molts are called instars. During the first through third instars, nymphs increase in body size. During the fourth instar, wingpads form. During the fifth and sixth instars, the length of wingpads increases. Adults become inactive during the winter and hibernate in protected sites. Sexes are physically determined by genitalia. Females have 14 chromosomes and males have 13.
Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis ; diapause
Boxelder bugs are considered by many to be a pest, but they have not been deemed a commercial pest. They invade homes and various shelters in the winter, and do so in large numbers. There have been reports of boxelder bugs biting humans, though this is not common. They are not harmful to property, but have been known to stain walls, curtains, or other indoor surfaces with their excrement. Many different pesticides may be recommended in order to keep these insects out of buildings. The main economic impact of boxelder bugs on humans lies in prevention from entering homes or buildings. It is recommended that humans seal buildings in any areas vulnerable to bug entry. Also, pesticides available to the public that are recommended for boxelder bug prevention include bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda cyhalothrin, permethrin, and tralomethrin.
Negative Impacts: injures humans (bites or stings); household pest
Boxelder bugs breed seasonally. After hibernation, they feed for approximately 2 weeks before looking for a mate. To find a mate, boxelder bugs use their long, segmented antennae, which are their primary sense organs. Males secrete an exocrine compound from abdominal scent glands during copulation which stimulates or claims the female. Males are smaller than females and are often passively carried by females during mating. Mating between males and females occurs with a rear-to-rear body contact. Males and females may have multiple mates. Males of other members of the subfamily to which boxelder bugs belong (Serinethinae) guard females while they lay their eggs.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Boxelder bugs breed seasonally, during the summer and early fall. Depending on their location, they produce 1 to 3 generations each year. Reproduction does not begin until outside temperatures consistently reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When this occurs, boxelder bugs become active and leave their overwintering sites to migrate toward host trees. Boxelder bugs reproduce sexually with internal fertilization. Usually at the beginning of May, females lay eggs in the crevices of the bark and leaves of host trees or on the ground in grass or leaf litter. Each female lays 200 to 300 eggs either singly or in clusters of about 10 eggs. The eggs develop for 10 to 19 days, and 13.75 on average. Nymphs have 6 instars, meaning they molt 5 times before becoming an adult. The length of time spent in nymph stage is dependent on food availability and temperature. Where habitat permits, nymphs will grow to adults in the same season that they were born. When this occurs, these first-generation adults mate and produce a new generation of boxelder bugs within the same season. Boxelder bugs reach sexual maturity at 50 to 78 days, and in 59.5 on average. First generation adults climb or fly into host trees to mate and lay eggs for the second generation. A third generation may be produced in the same year. Only adult boxelder bugs are capable of overwintering. Nymphs that have not yet developed into adults by the winter season will likely die.
Breeding interval: Depending on their location, boxelder bugs breed once, twice, or three times yearly.
Breeding season: Boxelder bugs breed during the summer and early fall seasons.
Range eggs per season: 200 to 300.
Range gestation period: 10 to 19 days.
Average gestation period: 13.75 days.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 50 to 78 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 59.5 days.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 50 to 78 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 59.5 days.
Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); oviparous
Females exhibit parental investment by provisioning eggs with yolk material and protecting them while they are in her body. There is no known further parental investment in this species.
Parental Investment: female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)
The Boxelder Bug (Boisea trivittata) is often considered a household pest in the United States. Overwintering Boxelder Bugs may seek shelter in warm, protected areas around houses. Large aggregations in spring and fall may result in significant numbers entering houses, where their excrement may stain fabric. (Yoder and Robinson 1990)
Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata) are usually found near their primary host, Boxelder Maple (Acer negundo), but have been found feeding on other trees as well, including Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), oaks (Quercus spp.), and tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) (Yoder and Robinson 1990 and references therein).
Boisea trivittata ist eine Wanze aus der Unterfamilie Serinethinae innerhalb der Familie der Glasflügelwanzen (Rhopalidae).
Die Wanzen werden 11 bis 14 Millimeter lang.[1][2] Kopf, Fühler und Beine sind schwarz. Die Augen sind rot. Die seitlichen Ränder des schwarzen Halsschildes (Pronotum) sowie ein mittig verlaufender Längsstreifen sind orange gefärbt. Das schwarze Schildchen (Scutellum) weist einen kleinen orangenen Fleck an der apikalen Spitze auf. Die schwarz gefärbten Hemielytren weisen eine orangene äußere Umrandung auf. Entlang dem unteren Rand, am Übergang zur ebenfalls schwarz gefärbten Membran, verläuft ein orangener Streifen. Die Hemielytren weisen eine auffällige dunkle Aderung auf.
Die Wanzen kommen in Nordamerika vor. In Kanada sind sie von Alberta bis Ontario vertreten.[1] In den Vereinigten Staaten reicht ihr Verbreitungsgebiet von der Ostküste über die Rocky Mountains bis nach Arizona und Idaho im Westen.[1][2] Das Vorkommen von Boisea trivittata reicht im Süden bis nach Guatemala in Mittelamerika.[1] Die Wanzen findet man in der Niedervegetation.[3]
Die Wanzen sind auf Arten der Seifenbaumgewächse (Sapindaceae) spezialisiert. Zu ihren Wirtspflanzen zählen die Ahorn-Arten Acer grandidentatum, der Eschen-Ahorn (Acer negundo), der Silber-Ahorn (Acer saccharinum) und der Dreispitz-Ahorn (Acer buergerianum) sowie der Waschnussbaum (Sapindus saponaria).[1] Die Wanzen saugen an den Samen der Bäume. Man findet sie nur an pistillaten (botanisch weiblichen) samentragenden Bäumen (speziell beim Eschen-Ahorn).[2][3]
Die Wanzenart ist meist bivoltin.[2] Die Wanzen suchen zur Überwinterung häufig menschliche Behausungen auf und gelten deshalb als Lästlinge.[2][3] Ab März erscheinen die Imagines wieder. Die Eiablage findet gewöhnlich im April und Mai sowie für die zweite Generation im Juni und Juli statt.[2]
Im Englischen heißt die Wanze Eastern Boxelder Bug – bezugnehmend auf den Eschen-Ahorn (engl. boxelder) und dem Verbreitungsschwerpunkt im Osten der USA.[1][2]
Boisea rubrolineata (Western Boxelder Bug) ist eine verwandte und sehr ähnliche Wanzenart. Sie kommt im Gegensatz zu Boisea trivittata im Westen der Vereinigten Staaten vor. Äußerlich unterscheidet sich die Art durch die orangen Venen der Hemielytren.
Der Namenszusatz trivittata leitet sich aus dem Lateinischen ab: tri für „drei“ und vittata für „gebändert“. Er bezieht sich offensichtlich auf die drei orangenen Streifen des Halsschildes.
Boisea trivittata ist eine Wanze aus der Unterfamilie Serinethinae innerhalb der Familie der Glasflügelwanzen (Rhopalidae).
The boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata), also called box bug or inaccurately, box beetle, is a North American species of true bug. It is found primarily on boxelder trees, as well as maple and ash trees.[1] The adults are about 13 millimetres (0.51 in) long with a dark brown or black coloration, relieved by red wing veins and markings on the abdomen; nymphs are bright red.[2] In 2020, this species invaded Chile, thus becoming an invasive species.[3]
Trivittata is from the Latin tri (three) + vittata (banded).
Boxelder bugs feed almost entirely on the developing seeds of boxelder, maple, and ash trees.[1] The boxelder bug is sometimes confused with insects belonging to the genus Jadera, and with the western boxelder bug (Boisea rubrolineata) which it is related to. The name "stink bug", which is more regularly applied to the family Pentatomidae, is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to Boisea trivittata. Instead, boxelder bugs belong to the family Rhopalidae, the so-called "scentless plant bugs". However, boxelder bugs are strong-smelling and to discourage predators will release a pungent and bad-tasting compound upon being disturbed. This allows them to form conspicuous aggregations without being preyed on.[4] These insects feed, lay eggs and develop on boxelder trees, most commonly occurring on female trees as they produce seeds. Boxelder bugs prefer seeds; however, they also suck leaves. They can be frequently observed on maple as these trees provide them with seeds as well. Boxelder bugs overwinter in plant debris or protected human-inhabited places and other suitable structures.
Although they specialize on the seeds from maple, boxelder and ash,[1] they may pierce other parts of the plant while feeding. They are not classified as an agricultural pest and are generally not considered injurious to ornamental plantings.[5] However, they are known to damage some fruits in the fall when they leave their summer quarters in trees and seek areas to overwinter.[5] Feeding by the bugs produces dimples, scars, fruit deformation, corky tissue, and even premature fruit-drop in strawberries and some tree fruits.[5]
During certain times of the year boxelder bugs cluster together in large groups while sunning themselves on warm surfaces near their host tree[5] (e.g. on rocks, shrubs, trees, and man-made structures). This is especially a problem in the fall when they are seeking a warm place to overwinter.[5] Large numbers are often seen congregating on houses seeking an entry point.[5] Once they have gained access, they remain inactive behind siding and inside of walls while the weather is cool. Once the home's heating system becomes active for the season, the insects may falsely perceive it to be springtime and enter inhabited parts of the home in search of food and water. Once inside inhabited areas of a home, their excreta may stain upholstery, carpets, drapes, and they may feed on certain types of house plants.[5] In the spring, the bugs leave their winter hibernation locations to feed and lay eggs on maple or ash trees. Clustered masses of boxelder bugs may be seen again at this time, and depending on the temperature, throughout the summer. Their outdoor congregation habits and indoor excreta deposits are perceived as a nuisance by many people, therefore boxelder bugs are often considered pests.[5] However, boxelder bugs are harmless to people and pets.[5] The removal of boxelder trees and maple trees can help control boxelder bug populations.[5] Spiders are minor predators,[5] but because of the boxelder bug's chemical defenses few birds or other animals will eat them.[5] Boxelder bug populations are not affected by any major diseases or parasites.[5]
Mating small milkweed bugs (Lygaeus kalmii) in Lockport, New York. Sometimes confused with boxelder bugs.
Large group of boxelder bugs found on a fallen limb
A mass of boxelder bugs on a fencepost in Bolton, Ontario, in September 2018
The boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata), also called box bug or inaccurately, box beetle, is a North American species of true bug. It is found primarily on boxelder trees, as well as maple and ash trees. The adults are about 13 millimetres (0.51 in) long with a dark brown or black coloration, relieved by red wing veins and markings on the abdomen; nymphs are bright red. In 2020, this species invaded Chile, thus becoming an invasive species.
Boisea trivittata es un insecto hemíptero de Norte América. Se encuentra principalmente en arces y fresnos.[1] Los adultos miden 13 mm. Tienen una coloración marrón oscura o negra con venas rojas en las alas y marcas de ese color en el abdomen. Las ninfas son rojas brillantes.[2] En 2020, esta especie llegó a Chile donde se convirtió en especie invasora.[3]
Trivittata proviene del latín tri (tres) + vittata (bandas).
Las ninfas se alimentan principalmente de las semillas en desarrollo de arces y fresnos.[1] Es fácil confundirlos con miembros del género Jadera y con la especie hermana Boisea rubrolineata. En general los miembros de la familia Rhopalidae se diferencian de los miembros de Pentatomidae porque carecen del fuerte olor que caracteriza a especies de esta familia. Sin embargo, Boisea trivittata es maloliente y se reúne en grandes grupos, así el olor y mal gusto sirven de defensa contra depredadores.[4] Se alimentan, ponen huevos y se desarrollan en Acer negundo, especialmente en árboles femeninos y se desarrollan en las semillas. Prefieren las semillas pero también se alimentan de la savia de hojas. Pasan el invierno en los desechos y hojarasca que les proporcionan protección.
No están clasificados como una plaga seria de la agricultura, pero llegan a causar ciertos problemas, especialmente en plantas ornamentales.[5] También en algunos casos causan daños a los frutos en el otoño. Pueden dejar cicatrices, manchas o deformaciones y aun caída prematura de los frutos.[5]
En ciertas épocas del año se congregan en grandes grupos mientras toman sol en superficies tibias, cerca de sus plantas hospederas (por ejemplo en rocas, árboles o construcciones humanas). Esto puede crear problemas en el otoño cuando buscan lugares para invernar. A veces se congregan en grandes números. Una vez que encuentran acceso a un lugar interior, por ejemplo espacio entre las paredes o tabiques, permanecen inactivos. A veces, cuando la casa está calefaccionada, creen que ya ha terminado el frío y vuelven a la actividad. Pueden así invadir el interior de lugares habitados en busca de agua o alimento. Defecan, ensucian alfombras, muebles, cortinas y pueden alimentarse de ciertas plantas de interiores.[5] En la primavera salen de su lugar de invernación en busca de arces o fresnos para depositar sus huevos. Se pueden ver congregaciones de muchos individuos según la temperatura de esta época y durante el verano. Algunos consideran estos grupos y los desechos que producen como una seria molestia. Las arañas son depredadores pero no de mayor importancia porque estos insectos tienen defensas químicas. Los pájaros tampoco suelen atacarlos por esta razón.[5] El parasitismo tampoco parece tener mayor efecto.[5]
Adultos y ninfas
Pareja de Lygaeus kalmii que a veces se confunde con Boisea trivittata.
Grupo en un tronco caído.
Masa de insectos en un poste en Bolton, Ontario en septiembre 2018.
|url-status= ignorado (ayuda) Boisea trivittata es un insecto hemíptero de Norte América. Se encuentra principalmente en arces y fresnos. Los adultos miden 13 mm. Tienen una coloración marrón oscura o negra con venas rojas en las alas y marcas de ese color en el abdomen. Las ninfas son rojas brillantes. En 2020, esta especie llegó a Chile donde se convirtió en especie invasora.
Boisea trivittata (Anglice boxelder bug, box elder bug) est Americana hemipterorum species familiae Rhopalidarum, quae praecipue in arboribus generum Aceris et Fraxini invenitur. Adulti sunt circa 12½ mm longi, coloratione atrobrunneo vel nigro, cum venis aurantiacis rubrisve in alis et signa similia in abdomine. Nymphae et cimices immaturi coloratione sunt miniati.
Haec insecta mollioribus plantarum partibus vescuntur: foliis, floribus, et ramunculis novis. Nisi eorum numerus inusitate sit magnus, detrimentum plantarum est leve; annis autem quando numerus magnopere increbescit, possunt utilibus nocere arboribus.
Autumno, adulti fiunt pestes domesticae. Hiberna petentes, aedificia per rimis intrant, ubi quieti in muris intus et pone lateris tegmen manent dum caelum sit frigidum. Hieme exacta, hiberna relinquunt ut coniungantur. Ova pariunt in Aceribus et Fraxinis. Vere exeunte, greges quinquaginta ad ducentorum plurimorumve cimicum possunt congregari in parietibus, ferme in loco aprico.
Boisea trivittata nonnumquam in Civitatibus Foederatis appellatur cimex aceris et Anglice garage beetle. Locutio quoque vulgata cimex foetidus, saepissime Pentatomidis adhibetur.
Qui ad civitates meridionales migrant hanc speciem et unum plurimosve cimicum plantarum odore carentis generis Jaderae saepe confundunt.
Boisea trivittata super folium
Gemmae Acri negundo, a Boiseis trivittatis valde amati
Boisea trivittata (Anglice boxelder bug, box elder bug) est Americana hemipterorum species familiae Rhopalidarum, quae praecipue in arboribus generum Aceris et Fraxini invenitur. Adulti sunt circa 12½ mm longi, coloratione atrobrunneo vel nigro, cum venis aurantiacis rubrisve in alis et signa similia in abdomine. Nymphae et cimices immaturi coloratione sunt miniati.
Haec insecta mollioribus plantarum partibus vescuntur: foliis, floribus, et ramunculis novis. Nisi eorum numerus inusitate sit magnus, detrimentum plantarum est leve; annis autem quando numerus magnopere increbescit, possunt utilibus nocere arboribus.
Autumno, adulti fiunt pestes domesticae. Hiberna petentes, aedificia per rimis intrant, ubi quieti in muris intus et pone lateris tegmen manent dum caelum sit frigidum. Hieme exacta, hiberna relinquunt ut coniungantur. Ova pariunt in Aceribus et Fraxinis. Vere exeunte, greges quinquaginta ad ducentorum plurimorumve cimicum possunt congregari in parietibus, ferme in loco aprico.
Boisea trivittata nonnumquam in Civitatibus Foederatis appellatur cimex aceris et Anglice garage beetle. Locutio quoque vulgata cimex foetidus, saepissime Pentatomidis adhibetur.
Qui ad civitates meridionales migrant hanc speciem et unum plurimosve cimicum plantarum odore carentis generis Jaderae saepe confundunt.
