On 2nd September 2009, Mike Wise, warden of Newbourne Springs nature reserve, passed to me a large bug which he was unable to identify from his various literature on this group.

Leptoglossus occidentalis       Photo: Andy Cook

Using the internet I determined it to be Leptoglossus occidentalis, which is also known as the ‘Western Conifer Seed Bug’. The bug had been collected by Mike’s wife, Sue, from the pavement of Hamilton Road, Felixstowe on 1st September 2009.The bug was passed to Nigel Cuming, Heteroptera recorder for Suffolk, who informed me that as far as he was aware it was the first* record for this County. Interestingly, I have since been told that another specimen of this species has turned up at the Ipswich Museum under its own steam in the Insects Collection Room!

From information gathered from the internet, it appears that the bug which, as its name suggests, feeds mainly on the seeds and developing cones of conifers, was first described from the west of North America and has expanded its distribution across the whole of that continent The species was introduced into mainland Europe in 1999 and in the autumn of 2008 large numbers of immigrants were reported from the south of England, with some scattered records elsewhere which led to the suspicion that they had arrived with timber imports.

The bug hibernates over winter in its adult state, usually under the bark of trees, but is also known to seek shelter, sometimes in large numbers within buildings. Presumably the specimen found by Sue was looking for somewhere cosy to spend the winter months. Felixstowe should offer plenty of choice!

* It turns out that L. occidentalis was recorded in Felixstowe by Justin Zantboer on 22nd October 2008 and was also found in September 2009 at Minsmere and in Colchester.