Western Conifer Seed Bug

I was checking on my tomato plants and had this large bug land on a tray of plants. This insect is the Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) and as the name implies, it was looking for Pine trees, not tomato plants. Adults may wander indoors late in the season looking for shelter to spend the winter. In spring the bugs move to conifers and feed on the developing seeds and early flowers.



The Western Conifer Seed Bug is unable to bite/sting/infect people or pets, damage property, or even reproduce indoors. It does give off a pungent odor as defense if molested.



Western Conifer Seed Bugs originated on the West Coast of the U.S., but have migrated east all the way to Atlantic states and provinces. They typically prefer warm climates and attempt to survive the cold northern winters by entering warm homes and buildings when the seasons change.