Barn Swallow Bug vs Birch Catkin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Barn Swallow Bug | Birch Catkin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oeciacus vicarius | Kleidocerys resedae |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cimicidae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, northern Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Barn Swallow Bug
A cimicid ectoparasite of cliff swallows and barn swallows in North America. It can bite humans in buildings after swallow nests are abandoned.
Did You Know?
Swallow colonies may abandon heavily infested nesting sites and relocate to parasite-free locations.
Birch Catkin Bug
A small, oval brown seed bug that feeds on birch and alder catkins. It is very common in northern Europe and can form large swarms in autumn. It sometimes enters buildings in large numbers seeking overwintering shelter.
Did You Know?
In autumn, enormous swarms of thousands can descend on buildings near birch trees, alarming homeowners despite the bugs being completely harmless.