Small leaffooted bugs can be confused with nymphs of the assassin bug ( Zelus renardii). Eggs hatch into small nymphs that have dark heads and dark legs on bodies that range in color from orange to reddish-brown. Most egg masses have 10-15 eggs, though more than 50 have been reported. The brown, cylindrical eggs of all three species are laid end-to-end in a string-like strand on the host plant, often along a stem or leaf midrib. occidentalis has neither of these features.Īll three species have a white zigzag pattern across the wings: this pattern is prominent in L.

clypealis has a thorn-like projection called a clypeus that extends forward from the tip of the head. zonatus has two yellow spots just behind the head (on the pronotum). Adults of all three species are similar in appearance, except that: Adults of all three species are about 0.75 to 1 inch long and have a narrow brown body. There are three common species of leaffooted bugs that are native to California and the western United States. They are closely related to other sucking insects, such as stink bugs (family Pentatomidae) that can also suck juices from plants. Leaffooted bugs are in the family Coreidae and get their name from the small leaf-like enlargements found on the hind leg. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts that allow them to feed on plant parts, particularly seeds. Leaffooted bugs are medium to large sized insects that feed on fruits, fruiting vegetables, nuts, and ornamentals. An adult parasitoid lays its eggs inside of the eggs of leaffooted bug.

Bugz on my nuts