Among true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera), only hematophagous species (families Reduviidae, Cimicidae) have high veterinary and medical significance. In addition, several predatory and plant-feeding bug species, which also have piercing–sucking mouthparts, are known to occasionally bite humans. The majority of such examples are known from the New World. Here, we report the first case concerning the human-biting potential of the western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Coreidae). This is a phytophagous bug species, which has become widespread in North America, and has also been introduced into Europe where it shows a rapidly expanding geographical range.
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10 March 2017
The Western Conifer Seed Bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae) Has the Potential to Bite Humans
Sándor Hornok,
Jenő Kontschán
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Journal of Medical Entomology
Vol. 54 • No. 4
July 2017
Vol. 54 • No. 4
July 2017
phytophagous bug
piercing–sucking mouthpart
skin lesion