For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Western Conifer Seed Bugs
Scientific name: Leptoglossus occidentalis
Size: Approx 20mm long
Distribution: Found throughout the UK
Months seen: April to October
Life Span: Approximately 12 months
Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland edges, parks and gardens
Food: Seeds of conifers and pines
Special features: Western Conifer Seed Bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis) are native to the USA, but were accidentally introduced into the UK in 1999.
On each side of the body (about halfway down the back) there is a white diamond shaped marking - just next to the wing membrane. The edges of the wings have alternating white and brown markings. On the hind legs there is a paddle, or leaf shaped swelling on the tibia. This is where they get their other name of 'leaf-footed bugs'.
Western Conifer Seed Bugs are attracted to light, and sometimes come into houses in the autumn to hibernate. They make a buzzing noise as they fly. When disturbed they can give off an unpleasant smell, and can also use their proboscis as a spike.
Sightings
2010 - Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire - David Hopcroft
2010 - Richmond, North Yorkshire - Dave Hopwood
2010 - Sholden, Kent - Colin Worman
2011 - Wakefield, Yorkshire - Dan Hannard
2011 - Northampton - Michaela
2014 - Carlton, Nottingham - Eddie Powe
2014 - Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire - Ken Ansell
2014 - Kennington, London SE11 - Zehra Bender (photo)
2016 - Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire - Darcy Bishop (photo)
2016 - Immingham, N.E. Lincolnshire - Cherisse Pymm (photo)
2017 - Chelmsford, Essex - James West
2017 - Wallington, Surrey - Robert Barnatt (photo)
2018 - Wokingham, Berkshire - Euan Fraser (photo)
2018 - Plymouth, Devon - Martyn Smith (photo)
2018 - Nailsworth Gloucestershire - Anne Antrobus (photo)
2018 - Manchester - Andrew Roberts (photo)
2018 - Milton Keynes - Kathy Probet (photo)
2018 - King's Lynn, Norfolk - Clare Clarke (photo)
2018 - Paxton Pits, St Neots, Cambridgeshire - Ben Pike (photo)
2019 - Dorset - Piers Curry
2019 - National Trust Ickworth House, Suffolk - David Moir (photo)
2019 - Newcastle Upon Tyne - Adam Calboutin (photo)
2019 - Pevensey Bay, East Sussex - Duncan Bennett (photo)
2019 - Scarborough, N. Yorkshire - Brian Falcon
2019 - Cannock, Staffordshire - Rachel Golder (photo)
2020 - Clevedon, North Somerset - Jo Batten (photo)
Related Pages
