Western Pine Seed Bug

The pine seed bug or the western conifer seed bug is often referred to as a "stink bug", this insect is a true bug (order Hemiptera) and from a small group of insects called the "leaf footed bugs." The average adult pine seed bug is 19 - 25mm and a dull reddish-brown colour. Some can have light white zigzag line across its back. Antennae are almost the full length of the body. The pine seed bug goes through incomplete metamorphosis life cycle. In the early spring eggs are laid on the needles of conifer trees and hatch in approximately 10 days. The nymphs feed on the tender tissue of cone scales and needles, later feeding on developing seeds. By mid- August nymphs have become adults and with the change of season into fall will begin to seek overwintering sites where they can become pests to structures.  The pine seed bug has a 1-year life span.