Insect identification - Ask Extension
Noticed this insect last year and ignored them. Theyve since established and are all over. Are they boxelder bugs? Do they warrant management? I'm pre...
Knowledgebase
Insect identification #871998
Asked June 07, 2024, 8:17 AM EDT
Noticed this insect last year and ignored them. Theyve since established and are all over. Are they boxelder bugs? Do they warrant management? I'm pretty sure they've killed a number of my perennials.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
I can't identify these insects based solely on the photo, unfortunately. They do resemble box elder bug nymphs, but there are other insects that they could be. Box elder bugs feed primarily on the developing seeds of box elder trees (Acer negundo) and they are not considered a pest of other ornamental plants. They can feed occasionally on plants that are not box elder, but rarely is this harmful or damaging. There are very similar insects called lesser milkweed bugs (Lygaeus kalmii) that you may see on other plants. Neither of these insects are usually harmful enough to warrant any kind of management.
You can read more about box elder bugs in this article from MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxelder_bugs_a_real_nuisance_during_spring
You can read more about box elder bugs in this article from MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxelder_bugs_a_real_nuisance_during_spring