I have now found 3 of these bugs in my bathroom in the last few weeks. Is this insect dangerous? Why is it in my bathroom? I only find 1 at a time. I release them outside.
Answer
Dear Rieneke,
this is the leaf-footed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis (family Coreidae, edge bugs). This bug takes its name from the shape of the hind legs, the top of the lower leg resembles a leaf.
In fact, this is an exotic, originating from America, but already well established here. Just like all other bugs, the bug has stinging/sucking mouthparts and feeds on, among other things, the seeds of pine trees that are sucked empty.
This bug is harmless to humans; it has been causing nuisance in the autumn for several years now, because it invades houses in search of a place to hibernate. In Portugal and Spain, where this exotic has been established for longer than with us, there are major problems with the production of pine nuts.
kind regards,
Hans
Answered by
Hans Casteels
identification of pest insects in agriculture and horticulture, stock goods and homes
Burg. van Gansberghelaan 96 box 1 9820 Merelbeke
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
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