Insect · GBIF taxon 5156107
Leptoglossus oppositus
Leptoglossus oppositusAlso known as Northern Leaf-Footed Bug, Spotted Leaf-Footed Bug
Leaf-footed bugs feed on developing seeds and fruits of trees like sweetgum using long, piercing-sucking mouthparts. Adults overwinter under loose bark, leaf litter, or inside human structures before emerging in spring to lay row-like egg masses along plant stems. Distinctive leaf-like expansions flared along their hind legs help camouflage them against leaves and stems.
True BugHerbivoreLeaf-Footed
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sweetgum seeds
- Tree sap
- Fleshy fruits
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Assassin bugs
ThreatsPesticide application and extreme weather
HabitatsWoodlands, forest edges, gardens, and agricultural fields
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCoreidae
- SpeciesLeptoglossus oppositus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; observe safely in the wild.
Responsible observation
- Inspect Host Plants: Look on sweetgum seed pods, thistles, and fruit trees during warm months.
- Spot the Leg Flanges: Check the hind leg tibiae for deeply scalloped, leaf-like expansions.
- Avoid Crushing: Handle gently to avoid triggering a pungent chemical scent release.
Predator (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kai Squires, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kai Squires · cc-by
Close Relative
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