The boxelder bug is a very fascinating and amazing bug. Also known as its scientific name of Boisea trivittata, the Boxelder bug is one of the species of true bug and is found in the areas of North America. Also known as the Zug and the Maple Bug, this bug earned such names due to the fact that it is often found on maple, ash, and boxelder trees. It has a cool appearance with the adults having the size of about half an inch or twelve and a half millimeters alongside a slender black or dark brown coloration that is relieved by several red wing veins as well as markings on the abdominal area.
Their fascinating life cycle begins during their times as eggs often placed in foliage, seeds, and barks. During their times as nymphs or babies, they have a bright red color. Nymphs live on feeding on the juices of their host that could be maples, ash, and box elders. Before they reach total adulthood, they have to undergo the process of molting wherein they have to molt their skin and replace it with new. Studies have proven that there is one up to two generations of this bug every year.
The Boxelder bug prefers to live on mixed forest and meadows. They may sometimes tend to invade houses near their natural habitat. Luckily, they are not dangerous in the point that they eat meat or anything that could harm us as their diet consists of juices taken from various fruit trees, maples, and if they’re feeling lucky, nectar. Their nymphs feed on various seeds. The scary part about their diet is that they are known for cannibalizing other nymphs and dead insects.
Sadly, such bugs sometimes tend to become pests. They sometimes tend to pierce a plant’s tissues during feeding but you’re in luck as they don’t cause significant damage to crops. They are however, quite scary to have when they invade your home since they practically look like cockroaches and we don’t want that right. They tend to invade homes near their habitats during the times when the temperature is low and it is cold in order for them to get warm but luckily they just remain inactive inside the walls. So remember, they may be amazing bugs but they don’t cause much damage. It’s up to you to exterminate them.