#wcsb

This insect was chosen because we found yet another one in the lab today.

Image source: Didier Descouens; license

Common name(s): western conifer seed bug, conifer seed bug, WCSB, stink bugs (not related to the family Pentatomidae)

Scientific name: Leptoglossus occidentalis

Can it hurt me?: No, but they have the potential to annoy you. They will move into houses in the winter and a bunch of people don't like that. They're capable of releasing defensive chemicals that don't smell great, but I've never had one do that to me in all the many times I've handled them moving them outside.

Can it hurt my plants?: They feed on conifers' seeds/pinecones (which you probably guessed from the name).  They won't harm your adult plants already in your garden but they may cause harm to ecosystems in areas where they are invasive (ex. Japan and a few places in Europe).

Should I kill it?: So, there are a lot folks out there who will probably kill every single one they encounter in their homes. Thing is, unless they're invasive to your area (they are native to North America), that's really unwarranted. Just stick them in a brush pile or in leaf litter outside.

Here's the playlist from my end of September show:

Eyeball Seesaw - Loose Tapestries

When Fate Deals Its Mortal Blow - Scientists

Remake/Remodel - Roxy Music

Eye of the Lens - Comsat Angels

Lady Lady - Sik Sik Nation

Voodoo Idol - The Cramps

Mushroom Festival in Hell - Ween

Backass - Butthole Surfers (Hairway to Steven)

Steel & You - Tubeway Army

Crystal Migraine - Glass Candy

Crushed - BrianJonestown Massacre

In America the Other Day - Ophelias

Rainbows End - Red Temple Spirits

Caucasian Walk - Virgin Prunes

Another Girl in the Glove - Duo Decibel System (local)

In the Flat Field - Bauhaus

Cut It Out - Basketcase (local)

Sweet Young Thing (Ain't Sweet No More) - Mudhoney

Tarantula - Starvation Army (local)

Fall - Knifedance (local)

I'm Losing My Mind /Unplanned - The Plague (local)

GBH - Diplomatic Immunity

0DFX - Go Blue Go Die (local)

Laughing Hyenas - Here We Go Again

Nailed to the Cross - Easter Monkeys (local)

Blast Off - Birthday Party

Warsaw - Joy Division

Black Sunshine (sockittome psychohed mix) - White Zombie