Insect
Eastern Leaf-footed Bug
Leptoglossus phyllopusAlso known as Leaf-footed Plant Bug
Eastern leaf-footed bugs are conspicuous true bugs named for the flat, leaflike expansions on their hind legs and a crisp white zigzag band across their back. They gather in small aggregations on developing crops, ornamental blossoms, and wild thistles to pierce ripening seeds or fruit with needle-like mouthparts. When startled, adults take flight with a low, buzzing hum or release a pungent chemical spray from thoracic glands to deter predators.
True BugHerbivoreGarden Visitor
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyThistle seeds, Citrus fruit juices, Tomato fluids
Predators
- Songbirds
- Spiders
- Assassin bugs
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide use and hard winter freezes
HabitatsOld fields, agricultural cropland, orchards, gardens, and woodland edges
Life span5 to 9 months
Classification
- OrderHemiptera
- FamilyCoreidae
- GenusLeptoglossus
- SpeciesLeptoglossus phyllopus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Garden Management: Handpick nymphs and adults into soapy water if they become abundant on tomatoes or fruit trees.
- Gentle Observation: Approach slowly in warm daylight to watch them probe seed heads with their long beak.
- Avoid Squeezing: Refrain from crushing individuals directly, as they discharge an unpleasant-smelling defensive fluid.
Predator (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by Craig Martin · cc0
Close Relative (c) Holger Krisp, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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