Boxelder Bug vs Marbled Minor

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Boxelder Bug Marbled Minor
Scientific Name Boisea trivittata Oligia strigilis
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Rhopalidae Noctuidae
Size 11-14 mm 24-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Root Feeders
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Boxelder Bug

A black and red bug that forms large aggregations on and around boxelder trees in autumn. It is commonly seen warming itself on sunny building walls before entering structures to overwinter. It is harmless but considered a nuisance pest.

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Did You Know?

Thousands of individuals can aggregate on the south-facing walls of buildings on warm autumn days, creating dramatic displays before entering homes to overwinter in wall voids.

Marbled Minor

A small, cryptically marked moth that is extremely variable in pattern. Part of a complex of similar-looking species that can only be reliably separated by dissection.

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Did You Know?

Part of a notoriously difficult species complex where three species look almost identical.