Leaf-footed bugs are a common sight in gardens and yards, as they feed on a variety of plants and fruits. These insects have noticeable leaf-shaped hind legs, which is where they get their name. While they may be visually intriguing, the question of whether leaf-footed bugs are dangerous is worth exploring.
Though leaf-footed bugs are considered pests, they are not known to be harmful to humans. Their primary negative impact lies in their feeding habits, as they can cause damage to plants and crops. Subsequently, they may become a nuisance for gardeners and farmers.
It’s important to note that not all members of the leaf-footed bug family are damaging. Some species can even contribute positively to the ecosystem, by preying on other more harmful insects. In these cases, having leaf-footed bugs in your garden may be beneficial for natural pest control.
Are Leaf Footed Bugs Dangerous?
Effect on Human Health
Leaf footed bugs are primarily plant-eating insects and are not known to bite or harm humans. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to feed on plant parts, particularly seeds1. Here are some points about their effects on human health:
- Harmless to humans: They do not pose a direct threat to human health.
- Nuisance: Due to their large size and buzzing sound while flying, they can be annoying but not dangerous.
Potential Harm to Pets
When it comes to pets, these bugs pose a low risk. Here are some features to consider:
- Non-toxic: Leaf footed bugs are not known to be toxic to pets.
- Unlikely to harm pets: As they primarily feed on plants, they are unlikely to bite or harm pets.
Pros and Cons of Leaf Footed Bugs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Not a direct threat to humans or pets | Can be a nuisance and annoy people and pets |
| Non-toxic to pets | Can cause damage to plants in gardens and farms |
Overall, leaf footed bugs mostly affect plants and are not a direct threat to humans or pets. Their presence can be annoying, but they are not harmful.
Identification and Appearance
Physical Features
Leaf-footed bugs belong to the family Coreidae and genus Leptoglossus. A distinctive feature of these insects is the widened, flat, leaf-like expansion on their hind legs1. This unique characteristic aids males in “fighting” for females2.
Coloration
The coloration of leaf-footed bugs can vary, but they are usually found in darker shades, with some having tan, orange, or yellowish colors3. Certain species, like the eastern leaf-footed bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus), have a noticeable white line running across the back of their wings4.
Size
Leaf-footed bugs typically range from 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length5.`
Key features to identify leaf-footed bugs include:
- Widened, flat, leaf-like hind legs
- Dark-colored, with variations of tan, orange, or yellow hues
- 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length
Comparison of leaf-footed bugs and similar insects:
| Insect | Appearance | Size | Beneficial / Pest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf-footed bug (Coreidae) | Dark-colored, leaf-like expansion on hind legs, white line on wings (in some species) | 1/2-3/4 inch | Pest |
| Assassin bug | Varying colors, elongated head, stout beak, long legs | 0.5-1 inch | Beneficial |
Life Cycle and Habits
Eggs
Eastern leaf-footed bugs lay golden brown eggs in a single row or chain, often found along a stem or the underside of a leaf. The eggs hatch into nymphs after around two weeks.
Nymphs
Nymphs go through five stages, known as instars, before becoming adults. They can be spotted by their bright red or orange color with black legs. As they grow, their color changes, and they develop wing pads.
Adults
Adult leaf-footed bugs are brown and have flattened, leaf-shaped hind legs. They become pests, damaging buds, flowers, fruits, and seeds of various plants such as tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, beans, okra, and pecans.
Generations
Leaf-footed bugs usually have two generations per year. They overwinter in adult form, protected in leaf litter or other sheltered areas. In spring, the adults lay eggs, and the new generation of nymphs emerges.
Characteristics of Leaf-footed bugs:
- Golden brown eggs in a single row or chain
- Nymphs go through five instars before becoming adults
- Adults pests that damage plants
- Two generations per year
- Overwinter as adults in sheltered areas
| Lifecycle Stage | Duration/Color | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 2 weeks/Golden brown | Laid in a row or chain |
| Nymphs | Five instars/Red or orange | Change color and develop wing pads |
| Adults | Brown | Damage plants; have leaf-shaped hind legs |
Diet and Damage to Plants
Feeding Patterns
Leaf-footed bugs are insects that feed on plant parts, particularly seeds1. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts, allowing them to damage various plants.
- Nymphs and adults feed on plants
- Cause damage to plant tissues while feeding
Affected Crops and Gardens
Leaf-footed bugs feed on a wide variety of crops and garden plants, causing damage to fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and ornamentals2. Some common examples include:
- Citrus
- Leaves
- Crops
- Nuts
- Tomatoes
- Pomegranates
- Almonds
- Pistachios
Influence on Fruit and Nuts
When leaf-footed bugs feed on fruit and nut plants, they can cause significant damage.
- Deform fruits and nuts
- Stunt growth
- Reduce crop yields
Here’s a comparison table to show the impact of leaf-footed bugs on some common plants and crops they affect:
| Plant or Crop | Damage |
|---|---|
| Citrus | Blemishes, scarred fruit, stunted growth |
| Tomatoes | Punctured skin, sunken areas, rot |
| Pomegranates | Husk damage, discolored arils, fruit drop |
| Almonds | Shriveling, reduced yield, kernel damage |
| Pistachios | Deformed shells, early fruit drop |
Prevention and Management
Cultural Practices
One effective way to prevent and manage leaf-footed bugs in your garden is by adopting good cultural practices. You can:
- Keep the area clean and free of debris
- Rotate crops annually
- Remove weeds that can serve as host plants
Maintaining a clean garden reduces food availability and hiding places for these pests, which can help control their population.
Biological Control
Biological control involves using natural enemies of leaf-footed bugs, such as assassin bugs and spiders, to manage their population. Birds can also be beneficial in controlling these pests as they feed on them.
Utilizing beneficial insects like the assassin bug has its advantages:
- It preys on leaf-footed bugs and other pests
- It does not harm the plants or the environment
However, it may not provide complete control of the population.
Chemical Control
The use of chemical control should be a last resort, as it can impact both the pests and beneficial insects. Integrated pest management (IPM) principles recommend using the least toxic pesticides like insecticidal soap.
Pros of using insecticidal soap:
- It’s less harmful to beneficial insects
- It’s environmentally friendly
Cons:
- It may not be effective against large populations
- It might need frequent applications
Physical Removal
You can also manually remove leaf-footed bugs from your plants. A simple method is to use a vacuum or handpick them off the plants. Inspecting plants regularly and eliminating their hiding places like woodpiles and barns can also help manage their population.
For large garden areas, using row covers can help protect the plants from these pests. Keep in mind that you should seal any openings, walls, and windows near your house to prevent them from entering.
Always remember to keep a balance between prevention and management strategies without harming beneficial organisms in your garden ecosystem.
Footnotes
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Big Legged Bug
Hello!!! and thank you again for being such a great resource for identification of all things buggy! I’ve turned to you in the past when I’ve had a critter I just couldn’t name, and now, I come to you again. I have searched through your archives of Beetles 2004, 2005 and current. I’ve also looked at assasin bugs and “true” bugs, but I haven’t been able to find anything that closely matches my “beast”. Attached are two not so great photos of this 1 inch long, black, flat creature. The segmented burgundy-colored antennae add another inch to the total body length. The back (torso) is completely flat, but he seems to have a nasty hunchback. He (or she) has a probiscus which it carries curled under it’s teenytiny little head. The back legs are hefty but slightly flattened. When it flies it sounds like a powerful propellor engine. Could you help me identify it? Thank you so much!
Sharon Israel
Memphis, TN
Hi Sharon,
You needed to check the True Bugs page for this one. This is one of the Coreid Bugs or Big Legged Bugs or Leaf Footed Bugs. More specifically, it is in the genus Acanthocephala.
Letter 2 – Big Footed Bug
Location: Mississippi, USA
December 2, 2013 3:38 pm
-Seen in Mississippi, near the Louisiana border
-2-3” long-Swarmed by them but not bitten
Signature: Wondering
Dear Wondering,
This is a Big Footed Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, and they mature and reach maximum size in the autumn, which is why we are beginning to get identification requests submitted. We just posted another Big Footed Bug from Texas. We have not heard any reports of people being bitten by this plant feeding genus. We believe your individual is Acanthocephala declivis and you can get additional information on BugGuide, where the identifying feature of the species is described as: “Humeral angles of pronotum broadly expanded, extending laterally well beyond maximum lateral abdominal margin.”
Letter 3 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Bulloch County, (southeastern) Georgia, USA
January 23, 2015 8:21 am
I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying this unusual-looking insect which was photographed in Bulloch County, Georgia on January 13, 2015, at approximately 11:15 a.m. Thank you.
Signature: William R.
Dear William,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, and based on images and range information on BugGuide, we believe it is Acanthocephala declivis.
Letter 4 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Rowlett, Texas
November 11, 2014 8:36 pm
I was wanting to know what kind of bug this is Mr. Bugman?
Signature: Rush
Dear Rush,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, most likely Acanthocephala femorata based on this image posted to BugGuide.
Letter 5 – Big Legged Bug
Here are some pictures of a bug I found last night near San Antonio, TX. I looked
through your beetle pictures and couldn’t find anything resembling it. I hope you
could identify it. One person told me it was a Leafhopper Stinkbug!?!?!?!
Your insect is in the Coreid Bug Family, a Big Legged Bug or Leaf Footed Bug. This specimen is in the genus Acanthocephala and has no common name.
Letter 6 – Big Legged Bug
We found this bug on the license plate of my husband’s truck in Dallas, TX. My husband says it’s a stink bug, and my dad says it’s an assassin beetle. I’ve scoured pictures on the internet, but they all look so similar. Care to help with the identification process?
Curious,
Christina
Hi Christina,
Sadly, you are both wrong. This is in the Coreid Bug Family, a Big Legged Bug or Leaf Footed Bug. This specimen is in the genus Acanthocephala and has no common name.
Letter 7 – Big Legged Bug
Thu, Jun 11, 2009 at 3:37 PM
This bug started showing up about 2 weeks ago – Davenport, Fl (near Orlando) Do you know what it is?
Thanks for our time,
Danny
Davenport, Fl 33837
Hi Danny,
This is Acanthocephala femorata , a Big Legged Bug or Leaf Footed Bug in the family Coreidae. It is a plant feeder and is probably sucking the juices from your sunflower.
Letter 8 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Malaysia
December 28, 2012 9:06 pm
Hi. I don’t need an ID just in the spirit of sharing wanted to send this through. It’s from the rainforests of peninsular Malaysia. Believe it’s a leaf footed bug from the family Coridae. Nice orange color.
Signature: David
Hi David,
Though you didn’t request and ID, we still tried unsuccessfully to determine a species identification. Bugs in the family Coreidae are sometimes called Leaf Footed Bugs and sometimes Big Legged Bugs. Those known as Leaf Footed Bugs generally have flattened femoral structures. We would be more inclined to call this a Big Legged Bug. Hopefully we will eventually get a species identification.
Letter 9 – Big Footed Bug
Location: 30 mi NW of San Antonio, TX
December 2, 2013 10:39 pm
Found on a tree 30 mi north west of San Antonio, TX 12/2/13. Alien invasion?
Signature: Brad
Dear Brad,
Despite its unusual appearance, this Big Footed Bug in the genus Acanthocephala is a native species. There are several members of the genus that are found in Texas. See BugGuide for additional information.
Letter 10 – Big Legged Bug
Subject: First Bug to identify, many to come
Location: Tuxtla Guiérrez, Chiapas, México
December 5, 2013 9:12 am
Hi, I was relaxing on my patio yesterday, when this little (?) friend came to a flowerpot no more than a couple meters from me, waited a few moments, and then flew away. I was so amazed by its big hind legs that fortunately, I could take a couple pics.
Thank you for the help!
Signature: Juan
Hi Juan,
You may be amused to learn that your True Bug is in the family Coreidae, and the members are called as Big Legged Bugs. Though your photo is blurry we suspect it may be a member of the genus Acanthocephela. You can get additional information on the genus on BugGuide.
Letter 11 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Tampa, FL
July 12, 2014 11:16 am
Hi. My brothers were jogging in Tampa FL and came upon this bug. It’s very different and we have never seen it before. Could you tell us what it is
Signature: Gabby
Dear Gabby,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the family Coreidae, and the species, Acanthocephala declivis, does not have a common name.
Letter 12 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Kodak TN
June 1, 2015 11:33 am
I found this bug dead in my dogs water bowl
Signature: thanks
Because of the yellow tipped antennae, we believe your Big Legged Bug is Acanthocephala terminalis, and you may compare your individual to this image on BugGuide. We continued to search BugGuide for an image that revealed the back that is normally hidden under the wings, and we finally located this BugGuide image to confirm that the color on the dorsal surface is consistent with Acanthocephala terminalis. Your submission will not go live on our site for several weeks as we will be away during part of June and not responding to emails nor creating new postings at that time.
Letter 13 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Tennessee
November 4, 2015 12:03 pm
I found a bug, actually it was more like he jumped on to me. Anyways he was a white four legged bug with curved antennas. I’ve taken several photos and tried to find the answer myself with no success. So if you make it to this letter and reply back that would be great.
Signature: Bugs been identified.
This is really a crazy looking image of a Big Legged Plant Bug in the genus Acanthocephala.
Letter 14 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Vero Beach, Florida 32960
April 14, 2016 6:58 am
Dear Bugman,
Trusting this finds you well. Quick outline, have spotted this particular bug a baker’s dozen times in the last ten years in the city of Vero Beach Treasure Coast of Florida US. I have posted pick on fb, but don’t know what species it is. It is a curious and slow moving creature. Size wise 1/4′ heigh x 1″ long, dark in color with orange dots on the end of the antenai (sp?)
If you can identify, at your conveniece that would be cool. I’ll check out a few other resources too, and post back if I find anything interesting.
Florida Tank Bug
Signature: Curious about a bug
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala. Though your image is blurry, based on your location and your description about the “orange dots on the end of the antenai,” we are relatively confident this is Acanthocephala terminalis, a species well represented on BugGuide.
Letter 15 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Mid-Missouri, USA
April 25, 2016 6:36 am
Hi,
Found this guy yesterday eyeing me from the roof.
It’s springtime in Rolla, Missouri and all the bugs are happy.
He’s about an inch and a half long, looks all black, and must have good eyesight because he was looking at me. I thought he was a stink bug at first, but his body is round. He has a hump on his back, so maybe a relative of the whirligig beetle?
Signature: Bob in Rolla
Dear Bob,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala. They are Leaf Footed Bugs in the family Coreidae, and they are in the same suborder as Stink Bugs, hence the resemblance.
Letter 16 – Big Legged Bug
Location: Coastal North Carolina
December 7, 2016 7:46 pm
Hey Bug Man! This guy flew on to this branch like a grasshopper, and then I almost lost him. As you can see he’s very well camouflaged. Why is he?
Signature: Stuart Campbell
Dear Stuart,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, and based on your location and the “Antennae uniformly colored, dull reddish or orangish”, we believe it is most likely the Florida Leaf Footed Bug, Acanthocephala femorata, which is described on BugGuide.
Letter 17 – Big Legged Bug
Geographic location of the bug: Marrero, Louisiana
Date: 11/29/2017
Time: 07:32 AM EDT
On November 23, 2017 the children at the daycare I work at found this insect on the play yard. They think it’s a stink bug, but I’m almost sure it’s a kissing bug. I said the back legs look like he takes steroids and hits the gym regularly for leg day. I’ve never seen a stink bug that looks like this.
How you want your letter signed: Not A Bug Fan
Dear Not A Bug Fan,
None of the above. This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala.
Letter 18 – Big Legged Bug
Geographic location of the bug: Tupelo MS
Date: 12/02/2017
Time: 03:19 PM EDT
Is this poisonous to dogs
How you want your letter signed: Lisa
Dear Lisa,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, and to the best of our knowledge, they are neither venomous nor poisonous to dogs or other creatures, however we would not discount the possibility that if a Big Legged Bug came into contact with pesticides or herbicides used in the garden or home, or if the bug fed from a toxic plant like oleander, that those factors might have a negative effect on a pet that swallowed the bug.
Letter 19 – Big Legged Bug
Geographic location of the bug: North central Florida -Alachua Co
Date: 11/09/2018
Time: 10:56 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Unusual fellow here – we can’t Id – help please . Beneficial bug?
Photo taken late October.
How you want your letter signed: Always Learning
Dear Always Learning,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, is native to Florida and definitely NOT from outer space. Because of the orange tipped antennae and your location, we believe it is Acanthocephala terminalis. You can check BugGuide to verify our identification.
Letter 20 – Big Legged Bug from Hawaii
Geographic location of the bug: Hawaii
Date: 01/14/2019
Time: 09:15 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Saw this hanging on the car. Pretty creepy. Is it dangerous?
How you want your letter signed: Hawaii bug
This is a Big Legged Bug in the family Coreidae, and we believe it is in the genus Acanthocephala, but BugGuide does not report any sightings from Hawaii. We are trying to verify the presence of this genus in Hawaii. The similar looking Sweet Potato Bug, Physomerus grossipes, is reported from Hawaii according to Graham’s Island where it states it: “is a fairly recent introduction to Hawaii, most likely sneaking in on an imported plant.”
Supercool! Thank you!
Mahalo,
Eryn
Letter 21 – Big Legged Bug
Geographic location of the bug: Birmingham Alabama
Date: 05/08/2019
Time: 07:55 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: What is this bug??
How you want your letter signed: Shelle
Dear Shelle,
This is a harmless Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala.
Letter 22 – Big Legged Bug
Geographic location of the bug: Bridgewater, NJ
Date: 05/11/2019
Time: 06:51 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hi Bugman,
This one landed on the hood of the car as I was parking. I have never seen one of these around here. Do you know what it is? I looked around the site but didn’t find a match.
How you want your letter signed: Thank you, Brian
Dear Brian,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala. Considering your location, it must be Acanthocephala terminalis, which ranges from Canada to Florida according to BugGuide.
Letter 23 – Big Legged Bug
Geographic location of the bug: Monroe NC
Date: 05/28/2019
Time: 12:25 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I keep finding these guys around my back deck. What are they and are they something I have to worry about with my dogs?
How you want your letter signed: Roger G.
Dear Roger,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, and we just finished posting an image of an immature Big Legged Bug. Big Legged Bugs will not harm your dogs.
Letter 24 – Big Legged Bug
Geographic location of the bug: South Carolina
Date: 09/27/2021
Time: 06:50 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hi There- Can you please help us identify this bug? Many thanks!
How you want your letter signed: Tifini Stafford
Dear Tifini,
This is a Big Legged Bug in the genus Acanthocephala. Based on images and information posted to BugGuide, we believe it is Acanthocephala declivis.
The post Are Leaf Footed Bugs Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth appeared first on What's That Bug?.
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