Texas Bow-Legged Bug

This one ate all the leaves on my pear tree
Location: Louisiana
October 27, 2011 3:56 pm
I had a bug problem last year and it is coming back. And I can’t find out what it is to deal with it. I’ve never had anything like this before. I hope you can help.
Signature: Michael

Texas Bow-Legged Bug

Dear Michael,
We do not believe this Broad Headed Bug is the pear tree defoliator.  We suspect your species might be the Texas Bow-Legged Bug,
Hyalymenus tarsatus, based on images posted to BugGuide which states:  “Often be seen feeding on a variety of plants, especially euphorbias and seed pods of legumes and milkweeds.”  Since Broad Headed Bugs have piercing and sucking mouthparts, they would not be capable of eating leaves. 

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