Leaffooted Bug - Leptoglossus phyllophus (Linnaeus)

Dr. Randy Hudson, Extension Entomologist, The University of Georgia, Department of Entomology, Tifton, GA 31793
Dr. David Adams, Extension Entomologist, The University of Georgia, Department of Entomology, Tifton, GA 31793

Order Heteroptera: Family Coreidae

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.

Striped leaffooted bug Photo by: Phillip Roberts, UGA

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.

In: Roberts, P. M. and G. K. Douce, Coordinators. 1999. Sucking Insects. A County Agent's Guide to Insects Important to Agriculture in Georgia. Univ. of GA, Col. Ag. Env. Sci., Coop. Ext. Serv., Tifton, GA USA. Winter School Top Fifty Agricultural Insect Pests and Their Damage Sessions, Rock Eagle 4-H Ctr., Jan. 20, 1999.

Selected References and Suggested Readings