Swarm of black/red bugs - Ask Extension
I have had a swarm of these bugs for the last few years. They appear very similar to photos of adult boxelder bugs (BEB) but they do not have the cent...
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Swarm of black/red bugs #570942
Asked June 16, 2019, 8:18 PM EDT
I have had a swarm of these bugs for the last few years. They appear very similar to photos of adult boxelder bugs (BEB) but they do not have the central red line on the thorax that internet photos of BEB have.
I have not noticed any damage plants except for a few wild lettuce.
Can anyone identify these?
I also have a giant swarm of very tine bugs. I'll post those photos in separate request.
I have not noticed any damage plants except for a few wild lettuce.
Can anyone identify these?
I also have a giant swarm of very tine bugs. I'll post those photos in separate request.
Mesa County Colorado
Expert Response
Golden raintree bug https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/Hexapoda%20(Insects)/Goldenrain%20Tree%20Bug.pdf
There must be a goldenrain tree or other soapberry family plant nearby.
Unlike the boxelder bug, this species does not overwinter in buildings and is even more innocuous in its habits..
Thank you, Whitney. The tree that these bugs are under and around is indeed a goldenrain tree, Koelreuteria paniculata. I didn't know that until I researched goldenrain tree just now. The City of Grand Junction was giving seedlings away in the late 90's. It was labeled as a Chinese Lantern Tree.
The bugs have been there for about three years and the tree is 20 years old. They are there all spring, summer and fall. I have not seen any damage to and desired plants but I have noticed that they are feeding on some wild lettuce weeds that are growing under the tree. They have killed one of the weeds.
The bugs have been there for about three years and the tree is 20 years old. They are there all spring, summer and fall. I have not seen any damage to and desired plants but I have noticed that they are feeding on some wild lettuce weeds that are growing under the tree. They have killed one of the weeds.
