Leaf-Footed Bug - (Leptoglossus oppositus)

Flattened 'thighs' that shaped like leaves, often with ridges of spiky teeth, are hallmarks of Leaf-footed Bugs and this species is no exception.

Staff Writer (8/15/2017): Leptoglossus oppositus is a species of Leaf-footed Bug found mostly in the eastern part of the continent as well as south into Central America. Adults are a reddish brown and a white dot at the center of the wings. Two other white dots further down form a triangular 'constellation' on the dorsal (back) side. These may be remnants of what was almost a white band that crosses the mid-section (seen on some of its relatives). The legs get most of the attention, however, thanks to their peculiar shape. Flat and oblong, the lower leg (tibia, or 'shin') is edged in a spiky scallop. The edge of the upper leg ('thigh') is also lined with teeth. These are used to fight with other males over females. Leaf-footed Bugs can release a stinky secretion as a defensive mechanism if threatened.

Juveniles look like smaller, short-winged versions of adults. This species feeds on and is fond of the pods that grow on catalpa trees, a native American genus of trees that is common in the South. Catawba, Indian bean trees, and Southern Catalpa grow long skinny fruit shaped like green beans. Leptoglossus oppositus uses it mouthparts to pierce the pod and drink plant juices, though it is not considered a pest.

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Details of the:
Leaf-Footed Bug

Category: True Bug
Common name: Leaf-Footed Bug
Scientific Name: Leptoglossus oppositus

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hemiptera

Family: Coreidae

Genus: Leptoglossus

Species: oppositus

Size (Adult, Length): 15mm to 20mm (0.59in to 0.79in)

Identifying Colors: brown, white

Additional Descriptors: dots, flying, thighs, legs, thick, scalloped, spiny

North American Reach (Though Not Limited To*): Alabama; Arizona; Arkansas; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Nebraska;New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Vermont; Virginia; West Virginia; Wisconsin; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Ontario; Prince Edward Island; Quebec; Mexico

* Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines on a map and therefore may appear in areas/regions/states beyond those listed above.

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