Leaffooted Bug, Leaffooted Plant Bug

Order Heteroptera, family Coreidae, Leptoglossus phyllopus

Adult--3/4"


                
Dark brown bug that looks like an elongated stink bug. Antennae are four-segmented. Hind legs flattened like a leaf. Eggs are white and key-shaped and are laid on the underside of leaves.

Adults pass the winter in sheltered spots. One brood a year. Incomplete metamorphosis--eggs, nymphs, and adults.  Adults and nymphs like to suck the juice from leaves, shoots, fruits, buds, and seeds.

Most gardens and natural areas. Many food crops and some ornamentals. Beans, citrus, peas, pecans, potatoes, tomatoes, and wild areas.   Attack and damage crops of several species such as asparagus, tomatoes, cotton, peaches, potatoes, oranges, and many other crops.

Natural control: Birds, snakes, lizards. Good biodiversity. Parasitic flies such as the tachinid fly. Assassin bugs, birds, wolf spiders, and frogs.

Organic control: None usually needed. Citrus oil products will eliminate a heavy infestation.

Kin to squash bugs.



Photos by Kimberly Atchley