Talk:Boisea trivittata

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These statements that "They rarely bite humans" and cause "enormous swelling of the infected area" need substantiation. The sources I've seen online say they don't bite ([1] [2]) or cause minor irritaion, [3]. Did the user have an extreme, but atypical, reaction?

They bite?! Someone verify this, I've been killing these things with my bare hands for years and I've never been bitten. I don't believe it!

"Box Elder bugs do not bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can sometimes puncture skin, causing slight irritation."

http://www.pestproducts.com/boxelderbugs.htm

Who reverted it back to the way it was? Why? The old version is obviously not true. I guess I'll change it back.

[edit] Rename?

This page needs to be free-standing under the title "Box Elder Bug." "Maple Bug" should redirect there. I'm not sure what corner of the world calls these beauties "maple bugs", but it's an obscure colloquialism at best.

A google image search for both terms in quotes turns up a ridiculous amount more for Box Elder Bug. Hazelorb 03:49, 25 April 2007 (UTC)

I agree. I have only ever heard these called "Boxelder Bugs". Jpwrunyan 20:31, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Agreed here as well. The citations on the page give "boxelder bug" as the primary name. Bill Holm's book is "Boxelder Bug Variations," not "Maple Bug Variations." I'll make the change, if I can figure out how. !melquiades 20:31, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Rename / redirect

As soon as I can figure out how to do it, I'm going to make a free-standing page Boisea trivittata and have "maple bug" and "boxelder bug" redirect to it. I think this "democrat bug" designation is incorrect an unsupported by any literature or cites, and I'm removing it. (It's been tagged for long enough as needing cite). Please let me know if anyone objects to my plans.Nickrz 12:56, 28 September 2007 (UTC)

David Keith, Extension Entomology Specialist, May 23, 2001, gives Democrat Bug as one of its colloquial names. He also says, "While the bugs can and do bite people, this is very unusual." He does not call it a maple bug, but that is what I was looking for when I wound up here. Also, Carla Offenburger says, "Chuck, incidentally, calls box elder bugs by the name they have always had in Page County, where he grew up in southwest Iowa: “Democrat bugs.” If indeed they’re Democrats, I’d be happy if they could all vote in the upcoming election." Pawyilee 17:03, 5 October 2007 (UTC)