Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Superorder	Paraneoptera
Order	Hemiptera
Suborder	Heteroptera
Infraorder	Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily	Coreoidea
Family	Coreidae
Subfamily	Coreinae
Tribe	Anisoscelini
Genus	Leptoglossus

Scientific Name

Leptoglossus phyllopus

Common Name

leaffooted bug

Authors: Dr. Randy Hudson, Dr. David Adams, University of Georgia

Description

Adult leaffooted bugs are about 20 mm long and have dark brown bodies. The main field identification character are the leaflike hind legs. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts. One of the most important species in Georgia has a narrow cream-colored stripe across the middle of the back. The nymphs are bright red with no wings. Later instar nymphs have the leaffooted character. Eggs are slightly kettle shaped and laid in a straight line.

Hosts

Leaffooted bugs feed on many hosts including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and ornamentals. In the early spring large numbers of leaffooted bugs may be found on thistle.

Damage

Leaffooted bugs cause damage by inserting their mouthparts and feeding on plant juices. Their enzymes cause breakdown of surrounding tissues and often secondary pathogens carried on their mouthparts cause rotting. Leaffooted bugs cause black pit and kernel spot of pecans also associated with stink bug feeding. Leaffooted bugs feeding on eggplant and tomatoes cause wilting of the terminal foliage and fruit injury whichoften results in soft rots.

Life Cycle

The biology of the leaffooted bug is not very well documented. They overwinter as adults and have been collected all months of the year. However, they are most common from late April onward. Their most severe damage occurs during the months of August, September and October.

Control

Leaffooted bugs are difficult to control, however, pyrethroids plus piperonyl butoxide are effective. Young nymphs cause little damage initially, and they are prone to heavy predation. Leaffooted bugs are easy to scout.

Originally compiled from

Hudson, R. and D. Adams. Leaffooted Bug. University of Georgia.