Leaffooted Bugs
Most of the Leptoglossus bugs are
plant feeders and are somewhat common but not particularly damaging (the most damaging member of this family is the squash bug in the genus Anasa). The leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus phyllopus, feeds on sunflower
seed heads (killing the
seeds), tomatoes,
potatoes and other vegetables, pecans, and fruit crops such as peaches. They are called leaffooted bugs because the hind tibia is expanded into a leaf-like structure in the adults. Young nymphs have more ordinary-shaped hind legs, but with each molt the tibia becomes wider.