Written/Compiled and Reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Travel Life Network

Whenever temperatures warm up in late winter to early spring, many small red insects called Leptocoris adominalis often gather on koelreuteria trees. The clusters of red bugs make people feel disgusted. The New Taipei City Government Agriculture Bureau stated that Leptocoris adominalis only feed on tree sap, are harmless to humans, and have minimal impact on the trees. They are part of the natural ecosystem, so there is no need for the public to be afraid. To avoid disrupting the ecology and polluting the environment, spraying pesticides is unnecessary.

Leptocoris adominalis, also known as the red stink bug, is referred to as the “little elf under the koelreuteria tree.” It appears when temperatures warm up in late winter to early spring. Female bugs lay their eggs inside the mature seed pods of koelreuteria trees. The hatched larvae and adults use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of the koelreuteria trees and seeds, but this does not endanger the growth of the trees. Instead, it attracts birds such as Chinese bulbuls, Japanese white-eyes, swifts, red-rumped swallows, barn swallows, and sparrows to forage, forming a continuous food chain and becoming an important part of the natural ecosystem. Although some members of the public feel uncomfortable with the large gatherings of Leptocoris adominalis, many elementary and middle school students find the phenomenon quite interesting and often use it as a topic for science exhibitions.

Mr. Li, who lives in Banqiao, said that he recently noticed his third-grade elementary school son often crouching under the koelreuteria tree near their home, seemingly watching something. When he took a closer look, he saw clusters of small red bugs. His young son looked up and introduced these red bugs to his father as Leptocoris adominalis, instantly becoming his dad’s little nature teacher. The father and son happily discussed the life cycle of the bugs, their symbiotic relationship with the koelreuteria trees, and the food chain involving birds, all while recording their behavior with a camera. Soon after, a few sparrows flew over to peck at the little bugs, perfectly demonstrating the wonders of the natural food chain and providing both an educational and heartwarming nature lesson.

Koelreuteria trees can be seen along roads in Banqiao, Luzhou, Linkou, Bali, Zhonghe, Yonghe, Sanxia, Shulin, Shimen, Xizhi, Xindian, and Yingge in New Taipei City. Near Sanxia’s Peitou area, there is even a street lined entirely with rows of koelreuteria trees.Chen Yuanquan, Director of the Greening and Landscape Beautification Division of the New Taipei City Government, urged the public not to worry about Leptocoris adominalis, as they are harmless to humans. Considering ecological balance, pesticide extermination is not advisable. He also mentioned that these commonly seen insects are excellent materials for ecological education and welcomed citizens interested in insect ecology to observe the wonders of nature together.

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