Western Boxelder Bug

When Steve and I went to the emu ranch back in May, I found out instantly that the entire property was covered with wonderful things for me to photograph. I found this Boxelder Bug crawling on a shrub about 5 minutes after I got out of the car! :D

Boxelder Bugs are native to North America and got their name from the tree sap they most like to eat, that of the Box Elder tree. However, they also love Maple trees and also Oak trees, which is the predominent tree that we have growing on our property. These bugs are common house pests, and find their way through any cracks in windows and doors, and then congregate on the walls and ceilings during the colder winter months. When disturbed, they release a "pine"-like odor, and also smell that way when squished! (We call them Pine Sap Bugs!)

If you would like to know more about these bugs, Wiki has a nice page here: Wiki: Boxelder Bug