Boisea trivittata, also called the eastern boxelder bug, box bug, or maple bug, is a species of true bug native to eastern North America. The western boxelder bug, Boisea rubrolineata, is a relative of this species and is native to western North America. Eastern boxelder bugs are found primarily on boxelder, other maples, and ash trees.
Etymology
Trivittata is from the Latin tri (three) + vittata (banded).
Biology and description
The adults are about long with a dark brown or black coloration, relieved by red wing veins and markings on the abdomen, with dark red eyes; nymphs are bright red.
Eastern boxelder bugs feed almost entirely on the developing seeds of boxelder, maple, and ash trees.
Eastern boxelder bugs are also sometimes confused with milkweed bugs, genus Lygaeus, for having a similar appearance.
Range
Eastern boxelder bugs are a native species in North America.
The current range of this species covers the eastern United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and south into Guatemala. There have also been many sightings of them in South Africa. However, there is a high chance that these individuals are part of the species Boisea fulcrata, another related species.
In 2020, this species was accidentally introduced in Chile and has become an invasive species in the country's central region, especially in Santiago. The introduction follows the ornamental use of maple trees in Chilean residential areas and suburbs.
Overwintering, sometimes in homes
Eastern boxelder bugs are not universally considered pests within their native range. Eastern boxelder bugs are harmless to people and pets.
They damage some fruits in the fall when they leave their summer quarters in trees and seek areas to overwinter.