The massive and spiny legs on the Eastern Leaf-footed Bug are unusual for most bugs. The shape of the legs resembles that of a dry leaf. Males fight over females and use their thick thighs and legs to overpower each other. A white stripe across the elytra (wing coverings) contrasts brightly against the dark brown body. Short white stripes on the abdomen peak out from under the sides of the eltyra. A long, narrow head holds sturdy brown antennae. The thorax has pronounced shoulders.
Leaf-footed Bugs are plant eaters. They fly from flower to tree to shrub, making a loud purring noise as they go. They suck the plant sap of whatever they land on. For this reason, they tend to be considered pests to the home gardener as well as among larger agricultural companies. Like all members of the Leaf-Footed family, the Eastern Leaf-footed Bug will emit a foul-smelling odor if threatened or disturbed. Look for them and their tiny colorful nymphs (juveniles) on tree branches, flowers and plant stems.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Eastern Leaf-footed Bug may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Eastern Leaf-footed Bug. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Colors: brown; white; gray; black 
