Categories

Garden Bug: Good or Evil?
Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 2:29 PM
We have a number of these in the front garden. They seem to like the roses and the Mexican Heather. The long proboscis makes it look like some kind of sap-sucking guy, or … is it some kind of assassin bug? I couldn’t find it here, or in any of the common bug guides. So, should I be letting these guys run free, or should I be squishing ‘em?
Bug Hunter
Los Angeles, California

Leaf Footed Bug: genus Leptoglossus

Dear Bug Hunter,
This is a Leaf Footed Bug or Big Legged Bug in the genus Leptoglossus.  We believe, based on a description on BugGuide, that this is Leptoglossus brevirostris.  BugGuide does not have images of the species, has this description:  “Reduced irregular yellow-white cross-stripe is mostly confined to veins.”  We have seen members of the genus Leptoglossus in Los Angeles feeding on pomegranates and tomatoes, sucking the juices from the fruit and leaving unsightly blemishes.

Related Posts

1. Immature Leaf Footed Bugs: genus Leptoglossus (July 24, 2009)
2. Leaf Footed Bugs Mating: Leptoglossus zonatus (October 5, 2005)
3. Western Leaf-Footed Bug (August 6, 2005)
4. Mating Leaf Footed Bugs (February 25, 2009)
5. Leaf Footed Bug Hatchlings: Leptoglossus species (August 9, 2009)