Please help ID this insect
October 20, 2009
Monday morning in our Fine Art Gallery I opened up at 8:30 Am and found this brown and tan friend walking across the oriental rug in gallery 3. I moved him outside and he flew away. Tuesday morning comes around and there it is again walking across the same rug.
JB
Connecticut

Western Conifer Seed Bug

Hi JB,
At this time of year we receive scores of reports of Western Conifer Seed Bugs entering homes to escape the cold.  We are amused that your individual is an art appreciator.  Western Conifer Seed Bugs are harmless.

Is it a beetle? They’re all over!
October 11, 2009
I live in Ocean Twp, Monmouth County, New Jersey. These bugs showed up in September and are so abundant that you can’t walk outside without one flying into you. They are on my screens, in the pine trees, hiding in the mandevilla and skip laurel, walking on the patio, and of course… in my house (from the screen door that my 7 year old forgets to close). I’m concerned that they are going to destroy my recently landscaped yard, but I don’t know what they are or if they are harmful to vegetation. Even my landscaper isn’t familiar with them. As you can see, they have a pretty pattern on their body… browns, black and white. They fly and are in all different sizes in my yard.
I’ve searched the internet to no avail to figure out that they are. Any help would be much appreciated.
Michele in Wayside
Ocean, Monmouth County, NJ

Western Conifer Seed Bug

Hi Michele,
Each autumn, we get numerous letters requesting that we identify the Western Conifer Seed Bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis.  This species often enters homes to hibernate.  It is a species native to the Pacific Northwest, but since the 1970s, there have been an increasing number of reports from Eastern North America, and the species has spread significantly, expanding its range for the past four decades.

What is this bug found lounging on tomato
September 30, 2009
What is this bug? Beneficial or harmful? The “mother” is present on two of the attached photos.
Lori
Los Angeles

Immature Leaf Footed Bugs

Hi Lori,
We are thrilled that your photo illustrates a multi-generational grouping of Leaf Footed Bugs in the genus Leptoglossus.  There are no adults in your photos.  Rather, these represent at least three different instars, the term used for a metamorphosis stage.  After each molt, the nymph grows and changes.  It is not until the reproductive adult stage is reached that the insect will grow wings that are fully functional.  We believe they are probably Leptoglossus zonatus which may be viewed on BugGuide.  We often find this species on our own tomatoes in our Mount Washington, Los Angeles garden, and on pomegranates growing in Elyria Canyon Park.  Here is the information posted to BugGuide on this sucking insect:  “Identification  Two yellowish spots on the forward part of the pronotum are distinctive. Also has a zigzagging white band across the wings (like some other species). Expansions of the hind tibiae are also much larger and more jagged than most other species.  Range  Primarily a southwestern species (including CA, AZ, TX) but now also spreading into southeastern states. First LA report 1990s. First FL report 2005.  Food  Feeds on flowers and fruits of many plants, including many crops such as citrus, tomatoes, and various members of the squash family.  Remarks  Considered a pest not only for the feeding damage on various crops but also as a transmitter of plant pathogens.“

Hi Daniel,
Yes, that’s them! Thank you for the quick reply and identification.  I’m the only one I know that actually thinks they’re adorable.  I’m always fascinated by the critters that decide that my backyard is a hospitable place to take residence.   While they are considered pests, they have become members of the family the past week, so I’ll let them stay.  Unless you advise otherwise.
Question, if there are no adults, is that NOT the mother that’s been brooding over the kids?   OR is it possible that immature leaf-footed bugs can reproduce?
Regards,
Lori

Hi Lori,
Earlier today, we posted an adult of the species found in Long Beach.  The immature nymphs cannot reproduce.  The behavior that you have labeled brooding is simply an aggregating tendency found in many True Bugs.  Since tomato plants only last one season, any pathogens spread to the plant would not affect next year’s crop of tomatoes.  We often let Tomato Hornworms and Katydids feed off of our plants. We also do not disturb the Leaf Footed Bugs as they are never plentiful. We do mercilessly remove aphids, and the new African Painted Stink Bugs from our plants, and we try to keep our citrus clear of Citrus Leaf Miners.

Six legged reddish orange & black insect
July 23, 2009
I live in Southwest Louisiana. I have a small garden with cantaloupes in it. I have a bunch of nickle sized reddish orange & black six legged insects on the leaves. They don’t seem to be eating the leaves, but often are grouped together. I don’t know if they are doing good or harm, so I have not taken any action as far as pest control. I’ve looked all over the internet with no luck. Thank you for your help!
Amateur Gardner in LA
Southwest Louisiana

Leaf Bug Nymphs

Dear Amateur Gardener,
After our initial short response (please don’t put us on blast for not giving you a complete response) we found a matching photo on BugGuide while researching information on Leptoglossus phyllopus, one of the Leaf Footed Bugs.  You live within the range map, so we believe you may have this species or a member of the genus.  Immature nymphs are often nearly impossible to properly identify unless they can be associated with the adults. In quantities, these may damage some of your produce, especially if they begin to attack ripening tomatoes since they secrete a saliva that could damage the fruit.

Bug obliterating my squash
July 20, 2009
I recently noticed some of my squash browning on the leaves and yellowing on the stems. Upon further investigation I found these bugs I have never seen before and they are ravishing my zucchini. Can you please help identify them so I can remove them?
D.K.
North Central West Virginia

Squash Bug Nymphs

Hi D.K.,
These are nymphs of a Squash Bug in the genus Anasa, which can be verified by this photo on BugGuide. The most likely member of the genus is Anasa tristis, and BugGuide has this to say about this injurious species:  “This is the most injurious species of coreid in Florida (3)  Injects a toxic saliva into plants, causing wilting and blackening of leaves. Can also act as vector of cucurbit yellow vine disease, which kills plants.”