It's that time of year again. Insects, spiders and millipedes are moving through the county and a few of them wander into the house by accident.
Millipedes, mentioned in the September 26, 2014 issue of HHPN, continue to move and perturb. Along with them are a few reports of boxelder bugs and multicolored Asian lady beetles, but fortunately, and so far, many fewer than in previous "outbreak" years. Less usual accidental invaders to watch for, identify and discard include the mole cricket (photo below) and the pine seed bug (second photo). Mole crickets are recognized by a unique combination of parts that look like they came from two different animals: The body looks like that of a cricket and the toothed, front, spade-like legs look like they came from a mole. Mole crickets are a curiosity in Iowa. They are harmless outdoors and in. When found indoors as accidental invaders pick ‘em up and throw them back outside. Pine seed bugs, officially named the western conifer seed bug, feed on sap from pine seeds (inside the developing pine cones) as the name implies. The pine seed bug is moderately common in Iowa and lives on pine trees all summer and then migrates in the fall (much like boxelder bugs). They are harmless but annoying. The white zig-zag line on the back and the expanded plates of the hind tibia are distinctive. That plus the one inch-long, elongated shape help distinguish the pine seed bug from the invasive brown marmorated stink bugs. Speaking of brown marmorated stink bugs, we have had reports of numerous bugs on the side of the house in counties where they had previously been reported. So far this year no new county records have been reported. Keep us in mind and let us know when you find some in areas not previously reported.
Mole crickets have enlarged, toothed front legs.
Pine seed bugs live on pine trees all summer but may wander indoors during the fall.
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