Leptoglossus occidentalis - Western Conifer Seed Bug

Hi Sam,

This could be a "Kissing Bug", which is the bloodsucking genus "Triatoma". If it is, be careful not to get bitten. These creatures do feed on humans at night, as they track their victims by their heat signature. The bites can cause parasitic infections. The bad news is if a person is bitten and devleops the parasite, it can lead to many serious disorders that can result in death.

Nice image capture whatever it is.

Best Regards my friend, Mike.

Hi Mike,

I've just received the answer on the name of this bug from a German online entomology site.

It's not the bug you've feared it is, spreading death & disease among us humans.

It's an immigrant from USA in Europe & feasts on conifer seeds.

It's photogenic too, isn't  it?!

Thanks for your story.

cheers

Sam

Hi Sam,

I have a very large book, with good photographs and drawings of bugs from around the world.

There were several bugs (over 10 species) that look similar to your image, so I picked the most dangerous of the group to be on the safe side.

Yes, this guy appears to be ok with being the star of the digital  imaging world.

Best Regards my friend, Mike 

This bug arrived in the UK in 1999 and has apparently been appearing much more frequently over the past five years or so. I've not seen one myself, but the woods round here don't have that many conifers.

Nice capture, although the background suggests that it's not in its natural habitat!

Jonathan,

thanks very much for your comments.

You're right, this critter isn't photographed in its natural habitat. It sits on a plastic table cloth on my home's terrace.

From what I've read about this insect, it most probably sits there in the hope to be able to get into my house to spend the winter.

It's one of those insects which basically stay alive during winter - when they can find a place where it doesn't freeze. And that could be the interior of my or anybody's  home....

I haven't seen it there yet!

cheers

Sam