Western Boxelder Bug vs Long-Nosed Lanternfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Boxelder Bug Long-Nosed Lanternfly
Scientific Name Boisea rubrolineata Pyrops sultanus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Rhopalidae Fulgoridae
Size 11-14 mm 30-40 mm (body, including snout)
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Seed Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western North America Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Western Boxelder Bug

A red and black bug very similar to the eastern boxelder bug but found in western North America. It forms large overwintering aggregations on buildings and fences near boxelder trees. It is a nuisance pest but causes no structural damage.

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Did You Know?

When crushed, it stains fabrics and surfaces with a reddish-orange dye from its body fluids, which is why it should be vacuumed rather than squashed when found indoors.

Long-Nosed Lanternfly

A large Malaysian lanternfly with an extremely elongated head projection and colorful spotted wings. It feeds on sap from large rainforest trees.

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Did You Know?

Its elongated snout has no known sensory function and may serve as camouflage by mimicking a twig.