Leaf-footed bugs are a type of insect known for their distinctive hind legs, which resemble leaves. These bugs belong to the family Coreidae and are medium to large in size. They are often found feeding on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamental plants using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract nutrients from seeds and other plant parts.
While they might look intimidating, the good news is that leaf-footed bugs do not bite humans. They are not known for being a threat to people, unlike some other insects such as mosquitoes. However, they can cause damage to crops and gardens, making them a nuisance for farmers and gardeners alike.
It’s essential to differentiate leaf-footed bugs from similar looking insects, like assassin bugs, which are beneficial. Assassin bugs help control pests by feeding on other insects. Recognizing the differences between these bugs can save you from accidentally eliminating the helpful species in your garden.
What Are Leaf Footed Bugs
Identification and Unique Appearance
Leaf-footed bugs belong to the Hemiptera order and the Leptoglossus genus. They are called “leaf-footed” because part of their hind legs is wide and flat, resembling a leaf. This leaf-like expansion is believed to help males in fighting for females (source). Here are some unique characteristics:
- Length: 1/2 to 3/4 inch
- Hind legs: Wide and flat leaf-like expansions
- Wings: Yes, but nymphs do not have wings
Camouflage and Coloration
Adult leaf-footed bugs usually display a brown coloration, which aids them in camouflaging with their environment. On the other hand, nymphs can have a color range from deep orange to light brown (source).
Comparison Table: Adults vs. Nymphs
| Feature | Adults | Nymphs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1/2 to 3/4 inch | Smaller than adults |
| Leaf-like hind legs | Yes | No |
| Wings | Yes | No |
| Colors | Brown | Deep orange to light brown |
Leaf-footed bugs are sometimes mistaken for assassin bugs, which are beneficial insects that feed on other insect pests. Recognizing leaf-footed bugs correctly is essential, as they can cause damage to various plants, including tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, beans, okra, and pecans (source).
Do Leaf Footed Bugs Bite
Piercing Mouthparts
Leaf footed bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use for feeding on plant parts, particularly seeds1. However, unlike some other insects with similar mouthparts, they don’t typically bite humans.
Harmless to Humans
These insects are generally harmless to humans and won’t pose any threat2. Should they ever mistakenly bite you in a rare situation, it’s not a cause for concern. Their primary focus is on feeding from plants, not people.
Comparison to Assassin Bugs
Leaf footed bug nymphs are often mistaken for assassin bugs due to their similar appearance3. Here are some key differences:
- Assassin bugs are beneficial insects that feed on other insect pests4.
- Leaf footed bugs feed on plants, fruits, and seeds5.
Comparison to Kissing Bugs
While leaf footed bugs are harmless, kissing bugs may pose some health risks due to their potential to transmit a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi6. Here is a comparison table:
| Feature | Leaf Footed Bugs | Kissing Bugs |
|---|---|---|
| Bite Humans | Rarely | Yes |
| Harmful to Humans | No | Yes (potential) |
| Primary Food | Plant parts | Blood |
In summary, leaf footed bugs have piercing mouthparts and are harmless to humans. On the other hand, assassin bugs are beneficial insects that prey on other insect pests, while kissing bugs might pose some health risks if they bite humans.
Feeding and Damage
Fruits and Vegetables Affected
Leaf-footed bugs are known to damage various fruits and vegetables, including:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Pomegranates
These pests are common in North America and can cause significant damage to crops.
Piercing-Sucking Mouthparts and Plant Juices
The feeding process of leaf-footed bugs involves their piercing-sucking mouthparts. These insects puncture plant tissues and then extract the plant juices. This feeding style is similar to that of stink bugs. Some key differences between leaf-footed bugs and stink bugs are:
- Leaf-footed bugs have larger, more noticeable hind legs
- Stink bugs produce a strong, unpleasant odor when threatened
- Leaf-footed bugs are often found on woodpiles, whereas stink bugs prefer crops
Damage to Nuts and Seeds
When leaf-footed bugs target nuts and seeds, they can cause significant damage. These bugs feed on almonds and pistachios, causing the nuts to become malformed or drop prematurely from the trees. This leads to reduced crop yields and economic losses for farmers. To manage these pests, it’s essential to monitor their populations and implement appropriate control measures.
Here’s a comparison table to highlight the differences and similarities between leaf-footed bugs and stink bugs:
| Comparison Aspect | Leaf-Footed Bugs | Stink Bugs |
|---|---|---|
| Hind legs | Larger | Smaller |
| Odor | Doesn’t produce a strong odor | Produces a strong, unpleasant odor |
| Preferred habitat | Woodpiles | Crops |
| Feeding style | Piercing-sucking mouthparts | Piercing-sucking mouthparts |
| Type of damage | Targets fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds | Targets fruits and vegetables |
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Eggs and Nymphs
Leaf-footed bugs belong to the family Coreidae. Their reproduction starts with females laying eggs. The eggs are golden brown and laid in a single row or chain, usually found along a stem or the underside of a leaf1.
Once the eggs hatch, nymphs emerge. These nymphs look different from the adult bugs but share some similarities, such as the leaf-like expansions on their hind legs.
Life Cycle Stages and Instar
The life cycle of leaf-footed bugs consists of five stages, known as instars2. Each stage represents a different phase of nymph development, with the bugs growing larger and more closely resembling adults in each stage.
Some key changes between the stages are:
- Size increases
- Color changes
- Wings development
Laying Eggs and Aggregations
For the genus Leptoglossus, the wide, flat hind legs may aid males in fighting for females for mating opportunities.
Once eggs are laid, it’s common for leaf-footed bugs to aggregate in clumps throughout various stages of their life cycle3. These aggregations can be a useful way to identify and control infestations, particularly before harvest.
In summary, leaf-footed bugs reproduce through laying eggs, with nymphs emerging and developing through five instar stages before reaching adulthood. These insects are often found in aggregations from egg-laying to adulthood, which can be used for monitoring and control purposes.
Management and Prevention
Natural Enemies and Predators
One way to manage leaffooted bug populations is by encouraging their natural enemies such as the parasitic fly, Trichopoda pennipes. These flies lay their eggs on adult bugs, and the larvae consume the host insect. Consider the following:
- Plant flowering species to attract these beneficial insects.
- Regularly inspect your plants for eggs and nymphs.
Insecticidal Soap and Pesticides
Another management option is to use insecticidal soap or pesticides. These products should be used cautiously, as they can also harm non-target species.
Pros:
- Effective in controlling pests.
- Can be used in combination with other management methods.
Cons:
- May harm beneficial insects.
- Requires careful application to avoid damage to plants.
Physical Barriers and Row Covers
Covering your plants with row covers can help prevent leaf-footed bugs from accessing them. Physically removing and disposing of bugs, eggs, and nymphs can also be effective. Be aware of:
- Row covers need to be placed when pests are most active.
- Periodically check for unwanted pests under the covers.
Comparison Table
| Management Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Enemies | Eco-friendly; long-term solution | May take time to establish |
| Insecticidal Soap | Effective control of pests | May harm non-target organisms |
| Physical Barriers | No chemicals; reusable | May limit growth or hinder pollination |
Habitat and Distribution
North America and Western Conifer Seed Bug
Leaf-footed bugs are commonly found in North America, with the Western Conifer Seed Bug being a prominent species in this region. These insects typically reside in coniferous forests and wooded areas:
- Primary habitat: coniferous forests
- Secondary habitat: wooded backyards, woodpiles
Western Conifer Seed Bugs are distinguishable by their:
- Large size (16-21mm)
- Brownish-orange color
- Hind legs with flat, leaf-like protrusions
Ornamentals, Shrubs, and Trees
Leaf-footed bugs can also be found on ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees, where they feed on fruits, seeds, and plant sap. Examples of plants they are attracted to include:
- Ornamentals: roses, chrysanthemums
- Shrubs: hibiscus, azaleas
- Trees: palm trees, citrus trees
To manage and control leaf-footed bug populations, some effective methods include:
Pros:
- Using row covers on vulnerable plants
- Regularly checking woodpiles and shrubs for signs of infestation
- Removing and destroying infested plant material
Cons:
- Methods may require time and effort to implement and maintain
- Row covers may not be aesthetically pleasing
- Complete eradication is usually challenging
Comparison table:
| Feature | Western Conifer Seed Bug | Other Leaf-Footed Bugs |
|---|---|---|
| Primary habitat | Coniferous forests | Various habitats |
| Identification | Hind legs with leaf-like protrusions | Flat, wide expansions on hind legs |
| Preferred plant types | Conifers | Ornamentals, shrubs, and trees |
By understanding the habitats and distribution of leaf-footed bugs, it becomes easier to recognize and manage infestations in gardens and landscapes.
Footnotes
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Leaf Footed Bug bites gardener
this bug was in my dad’s vegtable garden.
June 27, 2010
the bug lives vegtables , i t bit my dad and his hand swoll up for a couple of days, we live in tampa florida.
thanx sarah
tampa florida
Hi Sarah,
This is a Leaf Footed Bug in the genus Leptoglossus. We find your letter quite interesting because this is a plant feeding species, not a predator. It tends to be the predatory True Bugs that bite, like Assassin Bugs and Toe-Biters. We have not heard of a Leaf Footed Bug biting a person, however, they have piercing mouthparts that would be capable of biting.
Letter 2 – Leaf Footed Bug
Is this assassin bug?
November 10, 2009
This was on our Ann Arbor, Michigan porch on Nov 9th during a warm spell.
My husband thought it might be an assassin bug. I thought it looked fascinating. Haven’t seen anything like it before.
Janet
Ann Arbor Michigan
Hi Janet,
Your visitor is a Leaf Footed Bug or Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, most probably Acanthocephala terminalis, probably the northernmost ranging member of the genus. You may compare your insect to some images on BugGuide. The light orange terminal segment of the antennae is a distinguishing feature.
Letter 3 – Leaf Footed Bug
Unknown bug, Like large squash bug.
Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Can you help identify this bug? It is like a very large squash bug and he he is gray on the top, has a white belly with a few greenish, blueish speckles on the bottom. It is about an inch and a half from head to tail.
Thanks.
An intellegent kid with his mom
N.C.
Dear Intelligent Kid,
Your insect is a Leaf Footed Bug or Big Legged Bug in the family Coreidae. The species is Acanthocephala declivis and it does not have a common name. You can verify the identification based on photos posted to BugGuide.
Letter 4 – Leaf Footed Bug
Can’t find in your myriad beetles
O.K. guys, I tried, really I did. 18 pages of beetles, stinkbugs, walkingsticks, leafbugs, I’ve looked and looked! My wife is starting to call me Grissom… I did, however, I.D. what I thought was a cicada of some sort as a Pine Borer, so thanks! I really enjoyed all the grasshoppers, too. This beetle (?) has been hanging out on my Butterfly Bush [buddleia] along with two of his friends for about two or three weeks. About an inch and a half long, very docile. Can’t see any particular reason they’re staying there, and do not appear to be causing any harm to the plant.
Kevin Ellenbrand
North Port, FL (Southwest FL)
Also attached a pic of a Lubber I think is pretty good if you want to use it.
Hi Kevin,
This is not a beetle. It is a True Bug in the family Coreidae, known as Leaf Footed Bugs or Big Legged Bugs. It is in the genus Acanthocephala. We are not certain of the species as there are at least four similar looking species in Florida according to BugGuide. Here is a BugGuide recommended University of Florida website if you want to try to key the species yourself.
Letter 5 – Leaf Footed Bug
Subject: leaf-footed bug
Location: Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, La. (near New Orleans)
December 5, 2012 12:25 am
I’m pretty sure this is a leaf-footed bug, but don’t know what kind. It doesn’t seem to have the white ”belts” of Leptoglossus phyllopus or zonatus, which seem to be the most common in Louisiana. And it has rounded wings, and doesn’t have the sorta swallowtail coat look of those bugs.
Signature: Janet McConnaughey
Hi Janet,
You are correct that this is a Leaf Footed Bug in the family Coreidae, but it is not in the genus Leptoglossus. This individual is in the genus Acanthocephala and you can see some matching images on BugGuide.
Letter 6 – Leaf Footed Bug
Is this an Assasin bug?
Hi There! I’ve been trying to identify this bug, and I am fairly sure it’s an Assasin bug of some sort. It was quite large, although I did see one even larger (no camera though!) It doesn’t have the typical leafy leg decor, so I pretty sure it’s not a leaf leg bug. And he also doesn’t have a lighter tip on his antenna. I live in NW Georgia. I found this guy on my Pyrracantha during the summer, and he stayed there for weeks. Thanks for your input!
Shannon Davidson
Dallas, GA
Hi Shannon,
We wrote to Eric Eaton who correctly identified your: “This is not an assassin bug, though. It is a male Acanthocephala species, family Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs). Males have greatly swollen hind femora (“thighs”) armed with spikes and teeth, which they use in battles over females. Both genders have leaf-like flanges on the hind tibia (“shins”). Neat bugs, totally harmless, feed on seeds mostly.”
Letter 7 – Leaf Footed Bug
Wheel Bug?
I was in Austin TX this summer and took a picture of a good reason that I don’t live there. This guy was on our hotel sliding glass door (the outside thankfully). From looking through the pages, and being a regular visitor to your site (which I love), I believe it is some sort of wheel bug or assassin bug, but it doesn’t have the serrated thingy on the back. Am I close? I also thought they were pretty good pictures. J Thanks for all your time and effort. It really is a great site and I have learned so much by visiting, which knowledge has had a direct relationship to the safety of critters in my home and garden.
Leah Woodard
Hi Leah,
Thanks for your nice letter. This isn’t a Wheel Bug, but a Leaf Footed Bug, genus Acanthocephala. They are also known as Coreid Bugs or Big Legged Bugs.
Letter 8 – Leaf Footed Bug
Help identifying an assassin bug
These are occasionally in my yard. I’ve been trying to identify them and haven’t had any luck.
Tad Swackhammer
Cutler Bay, FL
Hi Tad,
What a magnificent specimen. This is not an Assassin Bug, but rather, a member of the Coreid Bug Family, commonly called Leaf Footed Bugs or Big Legged Bugs. The species is new to us, but we identified it on BugGuide as belonging to the genus Chondrocera. A link provided by BugGuide indicates that Chondrocera laticornis is the only species in the genus thusfar reported from Florida and that it is “readily distinguished by the prominently expanded and flattened first three antennal segments” which are quite evident in your photograph.
Letter 9 – Leaf Footed Bug
Bug likes hot pepper plants
Tue, Feb 3, 2009 at 4:16 AM
Hi Bugman. I have seen these bugs convene on my habanero pepper plants in late September / early October. I’ve counted as many as 25 on one small plant. They don’t appear to be eating any part of the plant. Are they using the plant for “cover” (protection / camouflage.) Can you tell me what the name of this bug is. Thank you.
Jay W
Eastern North Carolina Pitt County
Hi Jay,
This is a Leaf Footed Bug or Big Legged Bug in the family Coreidae. It is one of the species in the genus Leptoglossus. The best known species in this family is the Western Conifer Seed Bug, but your specimen appears to be Leptoglossus phyllopus which does not have a common name. This species is found in the southern states west to California and is easily distinguished from its relatives by the white bar across the wings. According to BugGuide: “Nymphs and adults suck juices from a variety of plants. This bug is particularly noted as a pest on citrus, on which it causes premature fruit drop, but also known to damage many other crops and ornamental plants. Apparently most common on thistle in FL, and on Yucca in KS .” We have gotten numerous reports of the species in association with tomato plants, even in our own garden, and since peppers are in the same family, Solanacea, your example is understandable. It may not appear that Leptoglossus phyllopus is doing damage to your plants since they don’t chew, but rather suck the juices from the plants. We have also seen this species in association with the ripe fruit of pomegranate. When they pierce the skin of the fruit, they secrete enzymes which causes bruise-like damage to the fruit.
Letter 10 – Leaf Footed Bug
Please I.D. this one
July 23, 2009
There are ten or more on my tomato plants.
Dear Noah
Aiken, SC USA
Dear Dear Noah,
This is a Leaf Footed Bug in the genus Leptoglossus. The Western Conifer Seed Bug is a common ID request from this genus, but your species is, we believe, Leptoglossus phyllopus, based on images posted to BugGuide and the distribution map. According to BugGuide: “Nymphs and adults suck juices from a variety of plants. This bug is particularly noted as a pest on citrus, on which it causes premature fruit drop, but also known to damage many other crops and ornamental plants. Apparently most common on thistle in FL, and on Yucca in KS.”
Letter 11 – Leaf Footed Bug
Unknown bug species
October 3, 2009
My mother in law found this bug on her Pomegranite tree in her front yard on 10/2/09. She has lived at that house for 40 years and has never seen this bug before.
Linda
Long Beach, California
Hi Linda,
This is an adult Leaf Footed Bug, Leptoglossus zonatus. We just posted an image of immature nymphs feeding on tomatoes.
Letter 12 – Leaf Footed Bug
What kind of insect is this
Location: Stuart, Florida
November 13, 2010 10:43 am
This was on the back window of my car in Stuart, FL. Have never seen anything like it.
Signature: Thank you, M
Dear M,
Even though your photo is blurry, it represents a new species of Leaf Footed Bug in the family Coreidae for our website, so we are very happy to post your letter and photo. We have identified this Leaf Footed Bug as Chondrocera laticornis, and BugGuide only reports it from Florida.
Letter 13 – Leaf Footed Bug
What type of bug is is BugMan
Location: n/a
December 12, 2010 10:24 am
I work in the produce department of a grocery store and I found this bug in a case of green kale with ice in it. It wasn’t moving but a suspected that it went into a sleep state like that toad or frog buries itself during winter and thaws during spring. So I took the bug to the back room and hour by hour it started to gain mobility. I would like to know some information on this bug please.
Thank-You
Signature: Manav Rajrishi
Dear Manav,
Because you neglected to provide us with a location, and the most helpful information would have been the location where the kale originated, we are unable to provide you with a species identification. We are not even certain if this discovery was in North America. Without being too specific, this is a Leaf Footed Bug in the genus Leptoglossus. This genus includes several members that will seek shelter when cold weather arrives, and they will hibernate until the following spring.
Letter 14 – Leaf Footed Bug
Big Bug on North Texas Rose Bush
Location: North Texas
April 10, 2011 8:03 pm
I have found his bug on my rose bush three days in a row now. The roses he sits on tend to bloom brown and die quickly after. You can see the bloom behind him is browned and sickly looking. He only sits out there after the sun sets and throughout the night. The flash from the camera seemed to scare him down into the rose bush. I am hoping you can give me an answer to what kind of bug it is and if he is the demise to my roses? Also, if he is hurting the roses how do I get rid of him without use of harmful chemicals?
(harmful to him, not to me though)
Signature: Bugs and Roses
Dear Bugs and Roses,
You have one of the Leaf Footed Bugs in the genus Leptoglossus. There are several possible species that are found in Texas. You can refer to BugGuide for additional information. Like other True Bugs, these Leaf Footed Bugs feed by sucking juices from plants, and they inject an enzyme that causes withering of plants when they feed. Though we have not heard of roses as a host plant, the damage you describe is very consistent with the damage that occurs to pomegranate and tomato fruits when the Leaf Footed Bugs feed upon them. We do not give extermination advice. We would suggest hand picking the Leaf Footed Bugs to remove them from your rose bushes.
Letter 15 – Leaf Footed Bug
Bug with leaflike legs on passionflower
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl
June 5, 2011 9:23 am
Hi,
This is not the first time I’ve seen these leaflike bugs on my Passiflora edulis flowers. This photo was taken in late May in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They don’t appear to be doing any damage. Do you know what they are?
Signature: Sascha
Dear Sascha,
Your description was quite accurate because this insect, Chondrocera laticornis, is in the family Coreidae and the members are commonly called Leaf Footed Bugs or Big Legged Bugs, and in the case of some tropical species, Flag Footed Bugs. You can find more images on BugGuide where we identified it.
Letter 16 – Leaf-Footed Bug
the western leaffooted bug grew up
Location: South Pasadena
June 18, 2011 1:55 am
Here are later stages of development of the bug I previously submitted. It has since left the sunflower, either making use of wings or serving as bird food.
Signature: Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for adding to your previous posting of the stages of growth for this Leaf Footed Bug, Leptoglossus zonatus, now correctly identified. According to BugGuide: “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.” Your photo of the adult definitely shows the two yellowish spots on the forward part of the pronotum.
Letter 17 – Leaf Footed Bug
Tomato Plant Bug
Location: Florida
June 19, 2011 8:22 am
I found some of these bugs on my tomato plants and haven’t been able to identify them. The bug is about an inch long, and has what appears to be a piercing mouth part (not visible in this photo). They can fly.
Signature: Karen
Hi Karen,
Just yesterday, we posted several photos of this species of Leaf Footed Bug, Leptoglossus zonatus, that were submitted by a reader from South Pasadena California. Those images were an update from a previous posting that is documenting the stages of the incomplete metamorphosis of this species. According to BugGuide: “Two yellowish spots on the forward part of the pronotum are distinctive” and this distinguishing feature is very clearly visible in your photograph. According to BugGuide, it is: “Very polyphagous, and can damage many fruit, vegetable, and field crops.
It feeds on the flowers and fruit of its host plants, which include oranges, limes, guava, avocado, pomegranate, melons, cotton, sorghum, corn, tomato, cucurbits, eggplant, and Chinese tallow” and it is “Considered a pest not only for the feeding damage on various crops but also as a transmitter of plant pathogens.” The original range for Leptoglossus zonatus, includes the southwestern states of California, Arizona and east to Texas as well as south through Mexico to Brazil, but it is “now spreading into southeastern states.” It was first reported in Louisiana in 1996 and in Florida in 2005. The species has the potential to severely affect many agricultural crops in Florida. In California, we find this species on pomegranate. The piercing mouthparts are used to inject an enzyme or other substance into the fruit causing unsightly blemishes as well as degraded quality to the flesh of the fruit. This is our own first hand observation, and not something we have read in any literature.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you for your quick reply and help! Yes, that’s my bug! I’d never seen anything like it before. I had gotten as far as figuring that it was in the True Bugs group, but that was all. I looked at photos on your site of immature Leaf Footed Bugs and immediately recognized them–I saw some of them on my tomato plants at one point, but never would have associated those little reddish orange bugs with the big brown ones I’m seeing now.
Thanks again!
Karen
Letter 18 – Leaf Footed Bug
Identity crisis
Location: Lake Travis in Central Texas
October 26, 2011 9:35 pm
Help! I came across this beautiful bug while camping on Lake Travis in Central Texas earlier this month. It is obviously a bug with good taste since it is hanging out on a prickly pear cactus tuna. My guess is that it is a stinker or a leaffooted something but I don’t know what kind of stinker exactly.
Your pal,
Karen Sue
Signature: Karen Sue
Dear Karen Sue,
This is an immature Leaf Footed Bug in the family Coreidae, and we believe it is in the genus Leptoglossus. It might be Leptoglossus clypealis based on the structure of the head. According to BugGuide: “A spine extending forwards from the tip of the nose (technically known as the tylus) distinguishes this species.” It is difficult to be certain that your specimen has this tylus because of the angle of the photo. Also, since your individual is an immature nymph, exact species identification may be difficult.
Letter 19 – Leaf Footed Bug
Unusual bug… Need help!
Location: Orange, CA
December 8, 2011 6:02 pm
My daughter and I were on a walk recently and came across this bug. I have never seen anything like it before. It was beatiful and strange and we spent about 10 minutes watching it. I am adventurous and tried to pick it up but it refused to climb on my hand and then tried unsuccessfully to fly. Daughter was afraid it had a stinger. We are very interested in solving this mystery! Thanks!!
Signature: Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
This is one of the Leaf Footed Bugs in the genus Leptoglossus, and many species are difficult for us to distinguish from one another in a photograph. There are several species found in California. We believe you have submitted a photograph of Leptoglossus clypealis. According to BugGuide: “Can be a pest in pistacio and almond orchards because it feeds on the nuts.” BugGuide notes the distinguishing features as: “A spine extending forwards from the tip of the nose (technically known as the tylus) distinguishes this species” and “Leaf-like protrusions on the hind legs have very shallow scallops. Broad zig-zagging white stripe across wings.” Upon enlarging your image, we believe we can make out the tylus.
Letter 20 – Leaf Footed Bug
Is this bug friend or foe?
Location: San Diego, CA
April 6, 2012 10:34 am
Would you please tell me what this is and do I want it in my garden. I found them yesterday mating on one of the succulents in my front yard.
Signature: Granny Geek
Dear Granny Geek,
These are Leaf Footed Bugs in the family Coreidae and the genus Leptoglossus. The closest species match we can find on BugGuide is a single photo of Leptoglossus brevirostris, and we cannot say for certain that is the species. Your individuals appear to be on a cactus. Can you confirm? This family and genus are plant feeders and some members of the genus Leptoglossus can damage fruits like pomegranates and tomatoes. The insects have piercing mouthparts that they use to suck fluids from plants and if they secrete an enzyme while feeding, it will damage the fruit.
Daniel,
Thank you for the bug ID. Guess I will treat them as pests and try to kill them.
Yes, it is on a type of cactus. I don’t know what the cactus is called. It seems to have a thinner skin than most of my cacti, but it has some impressive needles. It’s red flowers are bee magnets. It’s like bee crack – the bees crawl all over each other to get inside the flowers.
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
If they are not really plentiful, and they are not attacking fruit you are eating, you might not need to worry about them.
Thanks – though the front yard is cactus, the back yard has all kinds of fruit trees. I would like to stop them before they infest the fruit.
Letter 21 – Leaf Footed Bug
Subject: Attacking or helping my tomatoes?
Location: Birmingham, AL
August 4, 2012 2:09 pm
As a new gardener, I rarely know if a bug is a friend or foe–but since my tomatoes have all kinds of problems, I’m assuming these are in the ”foe” category. I’ve looked up every tomato pest website and can’t find these guys listed/shown anywhere. Hope you can ID.
Signature: Bhamster
Dear Bhamster,
We believe we have correctly identified your Leaf Footed Bug as Leptoglossus zonatus, based on photos posted to BugGuide and the range map listed on bugGuide. There is also this information on BugGuide: “Feeds on flowers and fruits of many plants, including citrus, tomatoes, various members of the squash family, and many other plants” and “Considered a pest not only for the feeding damage on various crops but also as a transmitter of plant pathogens.” We would recommend hand picking them. We see this same species of Leaf Footed Bug in Los Angeles feeding on the fruit of pomegranate, and the site where they use their piercing and sucking mouthparts is inedible because of the enzymes the insect injects while feeding.
Thank you so much for the reply! I was surprised that you would reply, much less do it so quickly. (I tried to reply and thank you on Saturday, but my computer was acting up.)
Celine McCoy
A Reader Comments
August 19, 2012 10:26 pm
Question about the post (link pasted below) about the leaf-footed bug: Do they sting the everloving bejeezus out of you when you try to pick them up to get a closer look at them? I got stung by something in central Virginia that I’m sure was close to this (not necess. exactly the same), so I would recommend against hand-picking, if you mean it literally. Or I would recommend gloves! It didn’t swell up like a sting from a wasp, but it was quite painful for 20 mins like a deerfly bite. So that’s why I don’t have a picture. 🙂
2012/08/04/leaf-footed-bug-26/
Signature: Rachel
Hi Rachel,
While we would not rule out that a Leaf Footed Bug might bite, we suspect you were more likely bitten by an Assassin Bug.
Thanks for your reply! I looked around and am pretty confident it was one of these guys (I couldn’t tell the exact one). I could see the distinctive diamond shape and the leaf-shaped legs before I started screaming. 🙂
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/3012/3012-1522/3012-1522.html
Consider our readership warned.
Letter 22 – Leaf Footed Bug
Subject: What is it?
Location: Fresno, CA
September 17, 2012 9:04 am
I and my neighbors have found this bug crawling all over our fruit trees: pomegranet, peach, avocado…..we dont’ remember seeing it before and are wondering what it is – thank you.
Signature: Debbie
Dear Debbie,
This is a Leaf Footed Bug in the genus Leptoglossus, and the following description on BugGuide allowed us to identify it as Leptoglossus zonatus: “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.” BugGuide also notes: “Feeds on flowers and fruits of many plants, including citrus, tomatoes, various members of the squash family, and many other plants” and “Considered a pest not only for the feeding damage on various crops but also as a transmitter of plant pathogens.”
Letter 23 – Leaf Footed Bug
Subject: These bugs chase me around my yard!!!
Location: Gainesville FL
September 17, 2012 9:20 am
HELP ME!!! I swear these bug get a kick out of chasing me around my yard!! People have told me they are stinkbugs but they are longer than all the pics Ive seen of stinkbugs. These are about 2 inches long and black/brown colored. Can you please tell me what they are and how I might get rid of them?!?!?!?!
Signature: Shonna
Hi Shonna,
We got a bit of a kick out of your letter. We do not believe these Leaf Footed Bugs are purposely chasing you about your yard. Due to the angle of view and the low resolution of your photo, we are not certain of an exact identification, but we believe this might be Acanthocephala femorata which you can read about on BugGuide.
Thank you so much. hahahaha ok I am sure they dont do it on purpose but it sure seems that way sometimes!!!! I will try and get a better picture next time I see one. I dont like to get too close cause, as you guys have had a nice laugh over, they will fly after me and chase me in circles till I run in the house!!!
Shonna
Letter 24 – Leaf Footed Bug
Subject: What is this thing?
Location: Mexico Beach,FL
October 15, 2012 6:48 pm
I was sitting outside on my patio when I spotted this thing. Kinda creepy looking but he didn’t jump at me or bite me so I left him alone. Just wondering what it is?
Signature: Erica
Hi Erica,
This is a Leaf Footed Bug in the family Coreidae, and the species, Leptoglossus zonatus, does not have a species common name. According to BugGuide: “Feeds on flowers and fruits of many plants, including citrus, tomatoes, various members of the squash family, and many other plants” and “Considered a pest not only for the feeding damage on various crops but also as a transmitter of plant pathogens. “
We live in Dutchess County, New York and My daughter and I had just been admiring the leafbug as he walked up and down our table on our deck. It then climbed on my arm and walked up and down my arm as well. My daughter put her arm next to mine and it walked on her then it bite her and we had to shake it very hard to get it off her arm. The only reason I let it walk on us was because I had read that they do not bite/sting humans. From what i just read it wasn’t an adult yet it still had red antennas and it was all green it did not have it’s black spots yet.
Thank you for providing this report, but the insect that you describe does not sound like an immature Leptoglossus species. There are many insects that are capable of biting a person, yet they are not normally known for biting. We have even received several reports of Cicadas inflicting a painful bite, but we must stress that this is not typical behavior. Without a photograph of the bug you describe, it is impossible for us to provide a definite comment. Many Assassin Bugs will bite, and superficially they resemble Leaf Footed Bugs.
Shonna, I agree. Up here in Michigan this bug chased me as well when I was taking out the garbage. I believe it has something to do with the CO2 emitting from my body. My BFriend caught it and I have a picture of it. They DO chase you around and believed to be similar to the triatomine bug ( kissing bug ) which are very dangerous to humans on contact; they give you a virus worst than HIV I read. – Christy
How do I get rid of the Leaf Footed bug.. They are destroying my tomato plants. I have used water and dish soap. Vinegar with crushed garlic and cheyanne. Nothing seems to work.
Try hand picking.
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I live in Wichita Falls, TX and I was just hanging out in my house when I felt something bit my arm, hard. I grabbed it with my other hand and it sprayed something that made my hand smell like old wet clothes. It was 1/4 inch long. It has six legs, flat body, light brown with white spots or strips, but it doesn’t have those leaf legs. Other than that like looks just like this. Any ideas on what it might be?
Surely Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs would be capable of biting a human, though we have not heard of that happening.
The above mentioned Leaf-footed Bug looks like being Leptoglossus zonatus.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/469766/bgpage
The above mentioned Leaf-footed Bug looks like being Leptoglossus zonatus.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/469766/bgpage
Thanks
I also live in Tampa. I was outside with my dog. She had a black leaf footed bug on her back. I could tell it was biting her. I knocked it off and when I did, a large amount of blood when down with it. It was on the concrete and her fur. I know I did not kill as I could not find any trace of it except a few drops of blood. She received a very large swollen bite wound on her back from it. I watched it closely and it went away in a few days. These bugs do bite! One bit my dog, all the way through her fur.
I was just bit on a walk in GA by a beetle/stinkbug type of insect. I’ve been browsing through hundreds of photos trying to figure out what got me. It reminded me of what my husband calls stickbugs in the south (which look nothing like what we called stinkbugs in GA.) I was drawn to this discussion of a Leaf footed bug because of the description on this website: http://www.austinbug.com/larvalbug/beast/archbeast9-11.html
1. I first thought it was a wasp on my cheek. (And it took 5 swipes to get it off.)
2. It made a buzzing (or even clicking sound).
3. The hand that swiped it off my cheek smelled like CINNAMON!
I really wish I’d saved it – but I was so freaked out. Now my cheek is numb and I am researching to see if I need to be worried…
I was just bit on a walk in GA by a beetle/stinkbug type of insect. I’ve been browsing through hundreds of photos trying to figure out what got me. It reminded me of what my husband calls stickbugs in the south (which look nothing like what we called stinkbugs in GA.) I was drawn to this discussion of a Leaf footed bug because of the description on this website: http://www.austinbug.com/larvalbug/beast/archbeast9-11.html
1. I first thought it was a wasp on my cheek. (And it took 5 swipes to get it off.)
2. It made a buzzing (or even clicking sound).
3. The hand that swiped it off my cheek smelled like CINNAMON!
I really wish I’d saved it – but I was so freaked out. Now my cheek is numb and I am researching to see if I need to be worried…
That is a very interesting account, but we don’t have a clue what might have bitten or stung you and left a scent of cinnamon.
South and Central Texas is rife with “stink bugs” (what we call them), but gardeners would call them squash bugs, others would call them leaf footed bugs. Our variety looks like a big, black, overgrown squash bug. Ugly as sin, and they produce a sickly sweet stench if you threaten them. The also on occasion will bite, if the opportunity arises, though it’s rare. We hated them as kids, especially since these bugs seemed smart enough to fly right at you, as their best defense. It would send us running. Or you risked getting sprayed, or bitten. As adults, I hate them even more as they ruin tomato and pepper plants. They especially love pin-marking near ripe tomatoes all to hell. And now that I’m older and wiser to go into the garden armed with a spray bottle filled with water and dish soap, which kills them by suffocation in just a couple of minutes, they fly away quickly. Before I can even get within 5 feet. Funny how when I walked into the garden at the beginning of the season with no spray, they allowed me to get very close. Now that I’m killing them wholesale, they somehow know that I’m walking death. I hate them. These things are the bain of every Texan. And yes there are many varieties. Here’s a pic of one such ugly fella:
http://tdpippin.tripod.com/e_tx_scenes/thumbnails/600×450/squash_bug-close1.jpg
I am from Texas and I know exactly what your talking about. I hate them so bad. I had a bad infestation last year. I am looking now to find something to use to kill them but not the other good bugs. Also that wont hurt my plants or cause a poison to us after eating the plants. They were I mean BAD. I couldn’t walk out my back door because they were all over my long beans on the fence. The garden was covered in them as well. I hardly got any produce from my garden. 🙁 I am scared to even try and grow anything this year. But husband feels we had enough freezes and that little day of snow maybe might have helped. lol I doubt it but am hopeful. Going to try and upload a picture of the two kinds that were in my garden. Fingers crossed.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155111818618021&set=a.10155111818408021.1073741911.731673020&type=3&theater
and here are some other kind of bugs. with eggs on one of my support stakes
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155111818538021&set=a.10155111818408021.1073741911.731673020&type=3&theater
any advice on how to kill them is helpful. I will try the soap and water. What kind of soap?
South and Central Texas is rife with “stink bugs” (what we call them), but gardeners would call them squash bugs, others would call them leaf footed bugs. Our variety looks like a big, black, overgrown squash bug. Ugly as sin, and they produce a sickly sweet stench if you threaten them. The also on occasion will bite, if the opportunity arises, though it’s rare. We hated them as kids, especially since these bugs seemed smart enough to fly right at you, as their best defense. It would send us running. Or you risked getting sprayed, or bitten. As adults, I hate them even more as they ruin tomato and pepper plants. They especially love pin-marking near ripe tomatoes all to hell. And now that I’m older and wiser to go into the garden armed with a spray bottle filled with water and dish soap, which kills them by suffocation in just a couple of minutes, they fly away quickly. Before I can even get within 5 feet. Funny how when I walked into the garden at the beginning of the season with no spray, they allowed me to get very close. Now that I’m killing them wholesale, they somehow know that I’m walking death. I hate them. These things are the bain of every Texan. And yes there are many varieties. Here’s a pic of one such ugly fella:
http://tdpippin.tripod.com/e_tx_scenes/thumbnails/600×450/squash_bug-close1.jpg
I am from Texas and I know exactly what your talking about. I hate them so bad. I had a bad infestation last year. I am looking now to find something to use to kill them but not the other good bugs. Also that wont hurt my plants or cause a poison to us after eating the plants. They were I mean BAD. I couldn’t walk out my back door because they were all over my long beans on the fence. The garden was covered in them as well. I hardly got any produce from my garden. 🙁 I am scared to even try and grow anything this year. But husband feels we had enough freezes and that little day of snow maybe might have helped. lol I doubt it but am hopeful. Going to try and upload a picture of the two kinds that were in my garden. Fingers crossed.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155111818618021&set=a.10155111818408021.1073741911.731673020&type=3&theater
and here are some other kind of bugs. with eggs on one of my support stakes
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155111818538021&set=a.10155111818408021.1073741911.731673020&type=3&theater
any advice on how to kill them is helpful. I will try the soap and water. What kind of soap?
My 7 year old son was playing on the playground when a leaf footed bug fell on his head. He thought it was a leaf and used his hand to get it off. While doing so the bug bit him and he was in real pain. It only took a few minutes for his finger and half his hand to swell up. He is a tough cookie and the way he was crying and holding his finger I thought he had broken it. After 5 minutes of crying, which seemed like an eternity, he pointed to the bug that bit him. I took a picture and first posted it on FB for some feedback but after searching the internet it clearly was a leaf footed bug. The bug that bit him had the leaves on the back legs. Most people were telling us it must have been an assassin bug but the body nor the legs look anything like it. Anyway this is the only place I have seen on the web that they bite…and let me tell you they do. My son was in a lot of pain. We took some meds and iced his hand for a couple of hours and the swelling went down some. After 24 hours his finger and hand was back to normal and he could move it without pain.
Eric Eaton once wrote to us that if it has a mouth, it can bite. Though they feed on plants, Leaf Footed Bugs have mouths designed to pierce and suck, so an unintentional bite could result in the symptoms you described.
I got bit when it walked in my collar of shirt, like a bee sting, swell up about the same as a bee sting.Guess I was crushing it when it bit
A lot of these bites, especially the ones in TX and FL- beware of kissing bugs! They look similar to leaf footed or stink bugs but are deadly.. you should not be letting bugs crawl on your arms for fun no matter what. Be sure to identify any bugs that bite you and make sure they are not kissing bugs
I live in Hilton Head Island SC and we have some bugs here at my office that look like a leaf footed bug but they are big. They measure about 2″ long and have a proboscis. They are grey in color and move slowly. They do fly also. Any ideas on what they are. I’ve heard of kissing bugs being here but they aren’t the right color I don’t think. How can I send you a photo for you to identify it?
Thanks,
Aaron
May be a Big Legged Bug (same family) in the genus Acanthocephala.
I live in Hilton Head Island SC and we have some bugs here at my office that look like a leaf footed bug but they are big. They measure about 2″ long and have a proboscis. They are grey in color and move slowly. They do fly also. Any ideas on what they are. I’ve heard of kissing bugs being here but they aren’t the right color I don’t think. How can I send you a photo for you to identify it?
Thanks,
Aaron
Do.these insects spit or spray a pheremone when threatened? I was walking by a pine tree in central La., i was sweating, felt a mist hit the aide.of my face, i took a step n smelled the odor of a stink bug like smell and it immediately starting burning so bad i had to get in nearby creek and wash it off. Went back to area and at my head level was a large insect that appears to look like this species. I took a picture of it but cant send a picture here. Would like to know your opinion. email.me at liftoshort@gmail.com
I live in Oklahoma. My wife just got bit by one of these leef footed insects. It was confirmed by our nearest nature center that the insect was a leaf footed bug. She slapped it not knowing what it was and it bit her. She shook it off and we kept it to have it inspected. It left a little needle tip sized mark and within 10 minutes it looked like a small blister.
Leaf Footed Bugs are not considered aggressive, but they do have mouths designed to pierce plant skins to suck fluids. We suspect that in the event a Leaf Footed Bug was being swatted, it might bite and the bite is most likely painful.
I have this exact bug trapped, right now, underneath my metal lantern. I came out on my balcony to see what my kitten was so scared of. At the exact time I was walking out the bug pounced on him and bit his face. These bugs do bite, sting, stick a needle in you or whatever you want to call it. I live in Memphis, Tennessee and have a perfect picture of it.
Also, before you even say it.. My kitten had not swatted at it or even attempted to mess with it. It was making a clicking noise and then just pounced.
I live in Trinidad and we have loads of red and black leaf footed bugs on our Barbadine fruit. I brushed one off and felt like a razor blade cut my finger. No mark left but my finger swelled up to twice normal and it’s been like it for 6weeks. Doctor and MRI scan show bone infected so,am now on antibiotics. The local Trinis say to keep away from them as the ‘leaves’ on the back legs sting!
Hi I am in the catskills in new york. My house had somehow become infested with both the shield bug and leaf footed bug. I say infested as 2 landed on me while i was sleeping last night. I turned on the light and found 4 more. UGH. I am wondering if they could have overwintered in one of the many house plants i have? I’m about to toss my plants all outside because I cant find a source of where they are coming from. I ordered a safe neem spray and the second it gets here i’ll use it. Any other suggestions as what to do? And yes I have also been bit by them. Last week I was sitting at my desk doing paperwork when i felt a pinch on my foot, look down and theres one biting my foot. I’ve had my house 15 years and have never had this problem before. Help!
Both invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, and North American native Western Conifer Seed Bugs that have increased their native range far from the Pacific Northwest enter homes to hibernate when the weather cools. They do not necessarily enter the home with house plants that have spent the warm summer outdoors.
Both my husband and I have been bitten by the Leptoglossus brevirostris. Large painful welts that last over 5 days. We were bitten while sleeping and never felt the bites until the next morning. I had problems breathing and had tight heart and painful heart muscles. My husband who is 86 is definitively weaker since being bitten. We have had blood tests which do not show an infection in either one of us. We have found only two of these bugs and have frozen them.
Hello, I live in Orlando, Florida, and had this Leef Footed bug walking on my car yesterday.
IMG_2525.HEIC
About a week ago, I had a leaf-footed bug crawl up my leg and gouge a 1 inch long cut in my groin. It would seem that these bugs could carry parasites as they do bite people. Supposedly they do not bite humans a lot, but I have a hard time believing that. I thought, at first, that it was a kissing bug, but the leaves on its legs ruled that out. This bug was just plain mean and nasty.
My finger bite healed quickly but 2 years later it’s still noticeably wider than my other middle finger. Trust your bite wasn’t too tender or if it was the ‘swelling’ may be a plus!!!
My 5 year old was playing in the pool. A leaf footed bug landed on the back
Of her neck and bit her! She was screaming and crying in pain. I trapped the bastard bug and did research. It’s a leaf footed bug. Stupid things do bite even though all info says they do not harm humans! Can’t always believe everything on the internet (just like the French model commercial lol) I live in western NY.
My 5 year old was playing in the pool. A leaf footed bug landed on the back
Of her neck and bit her! She was screaming and crying in pain. I trapped the bastard bug and did research. It’s a leaf footed bug. Stupid things do bite even though all info says they do not harm humans! Can’t always believe everything on the internet (just like the French model commercial lol) I live in western NY.
While we would go on the record that Leaf Footed Bugs do not normally bite humans and that they are not considered to be venomous or harmful to humans, there do seem to be enough instances for us to comfortably agree that Leaf Footed Bugs are capable of biting humans.
I live in NC and was just bitten by a leaf footed bug nymph. It got trapped in my pants and bit the back of my knee. I never took my pants off so fast in my life!! It stung for about 1-2 minutes and and then began itching just slightly and looked like a mosquito bite (kinda puffy). I saved it in a bag in case I needed to go to the hospital. It looked very threatening and intimidating with its hind end curved up. I was very relieved to know that it wasn’t venomous. I saw it’s stabby part and found it interesting that it stabbed me rather than bit me.
I had one crawl up my shorts and chew a two inch bleeding gash up the side of my groin. I thought it was an assassin bug that carries a parasitic disease. The leaf footed bug looks like the assassin bug, except for the leaf shape on their feet. The internet stes write that leaf footed bugs do not bite, that is, obviously incorrect.
So this picture I sent to Google says that it is a black footed leaf bug.I was not bitten but my dog just sniffed one on a leaf.Her reaction was that of a wasp sting..It took several minutes for her to stop freaking out.I’m not sure if she was bitten or sprayed.
I have an infestation on my tomato plants. I tried using a glove and hand picking them off and dropping in to soapy water. I would get a few but most would fly away. Today I tried using my tiny car vacuum. It worked SO well. I sucked them up, and dumped them into the soapy water. I did this in the am and pm, but almost all are gone now. So satisfying!