logo       < back   Nature   next >

Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis)

On a child's slide is a Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis). Despite its "Western" name, this bug has spread from the U.S. West Coast all the way East to New England. It is sometimes called a "stink bug" because of the unpleasant aroma emitted when disturbed; but the true Stink Bug is squatter and stinkier.