British Bugs
HOME A BIT ABOUT BUGS GALLERY SYSTEMATIC LISTS RECORDING BUGS CONTACT US LINKS

Leptoglossus occidentalis
Western Conifer Seed Bug
Family: Coreidae

 A very large and spectacular squashbug which has characteristic expansions on the hind tibiae and a white zigzag mark across the centre of the forewings.

Native to the USA and introduced into Europe in 1999, it has since spread rapidly and during 2008-2011 influxes of immigrants were reported from the coast of southern England, with a wide scatter of records inland.

The bug feeds on pines and is now well-established in England and Wales, but with very few records from Scotland. It is attracted to light and frequently enters buildings in search of hibernation sites in the autumn. Further information

Adult: All year
Length ~20 mm

see illustrated life stages chart		 Have you seen this bug? Report a sighting

Leptoglossus occidentalis
Adult: Cornwall (October 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Leptoglossus occidentalis Leptoglossus occidentalis
Adult: Cumbria (October 2008) ©Rob Petley-Jones
Adult: Sussex (August 2008) ©Andy Phillips
Leptoglossus occidentalis Leptoglossus occidentalis
Early instar nymph: south London (July 2010) ©Tristan Bantock
Late instar nymph: France (September 2019) ©Maria Justamond