Leaf-footed Bug: Appearance, Territory, Damage and Life Cycle

Latin Name: Leptoglossus Phyllopus

Appearance: They range in hue from reddish-brown to dark gray, with faint marking on the abdomen edges (3/8 to 1/2 inch long). Because these bugs have an expanded hind tibia that is broad and flat, they are sometimes referred to as leaf-footed bugs. Adult leaf footed bugs are brown in color and have a flattened, leaf-shaped region on their hind legs. Both nymphs and adults are pests that wreak havoc on buds, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Leaf footed bugs eat a wide variety of plants, including tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, beans, okra, and pecans.

Hosts Plants: Leaf-footed bugs eat on a broad variety of host plants, including pecan, fruit, citrus, millet, vegetables, and a variety of weeds.

Territory: The Eastern leaf-footed bug, Leptoglossus phyllopus, is a species of leaf-footed insect of the same genus as the western conifer seed bug. The Eastern leaf-footed insect may be found from Florida to California, as well as in Mexico and as far south as Costa Rica.

Damage Insect Cause: Are Leaf-Footed Bugs Dangerous? They are not dangerous to humans. They also cause little damage in your garden until the population becomes too large. Their needle-like bites into fruits and plants are frequently difficult to detect and, in most situations, tolerable. By inserting their mouthparts and feasting on plant fluids, leaf-footed bugs inflict harm. Their enzymes promote tissue degradation, and secondary diseases carried by their mouthparts frequently cause rotting. Black pit and kernel spot in pecans are caused by leaf-footed bugs, which are also connected with stink bug feeding.

Life History and Habits: Leaf-footed bugs have three phases of development: egg, nymph, and adult. The eggs are laid in rows on the foliage or stem tissue and hatch after 5-7 days. Nymphs grow through five instars in 25-30 days.