The western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis, is a large reddish-brown squashbug that can reach 2cm (¾in) in length. There is a white zigzag line across the centre of its wings and it has leaf-like expansions on its hind legs. It feeds on the

Sap is a fluid that circulates through a plant's vascular system, in a similar way to blood moving through our veins. Phloem sap carries the sugars produced in the leaves by photosynthesis down to roots and other storage organs, as well as carrying minerals and hormones. Xylem sap is watery and transports nutrients absorbed by the roots upwards to the rest of the plant. Some plants leak sap from wounds or pruning cuts, and this is known as bleeding.

The adult insect can fly and they are attracted at night to bright lights. They also have a tendency to seek shelter in buildings as the weather turns cooler in the autumn. During winter they can become active indoors and are sometimes found on windowsills. 

This species is sometimes confused with another species of true bug which may be of more concern, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). Western conifer seed bug is larger with noticeably flared hind legs. BMSB is not yet known to be established in the UK. 

The western conifer seed bug is a sap sucking true bug in the family Coreidae (the squash bugs), there are 11 species found in Britain. They all feed on plant sap but none damage garden plants. More information on these bugs can be found from British Bugs.
 

Western conifer seed bug is unlikely to affect the health and vigour of garden trees and so control measures in the home garden are not necessary. If found indoors the bugs can be placed outside.

Western conifer seed bug overwinters as adults in sheltered places such as under bark and in buildings.

In spring the adults emerge and females lay up to 80 eggs on the foliage of conifers. After two weeks the eggs hatch and the nymphs feed on needles and tender cones. There are five stages of development (nymphal instars) and they become adults in mid to late summer. Larger nymphs and adults feed almost exclusively on developing seeds and cones.