While doing some yard work, I noticed this fine creature near the garage. Although I’ve encountered a few other species of Leaf-footed Bug, this was a new one to me.
As Summer turns to Fall, many insects with gradual metamorphosis (those with nymphs rather than larvae as juveniles), reach maturity and are more easily seen as the larger adults. This is an example of one of those types of insects.
This is a species found mostly in the eastern part of the continent as well as south into Central America. Adults are a reddish brown and have a white dot at the center of the wings. Two other white dots further down form a triangular “constellation” on their back.
The legs of this insect get most of the attention, however, thanks to their peculiar shape. Flat and oblong, the lower leg is edged in a spiky scallop. It has the appearance of a small dry leaf, hence the descriptive common name. The edge of the upper leg is also lined with small serrated “teeth.” These are used to fight with other males over females.
Leaf-footed Bugs are medium to large sized insects that feed on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamentals. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts that allow them to feed on plant parts, particularly seeds. Like their relatives, the Stink Bugs, Leaf-footed Bugs can release a smelly secretion as a defensive mechanism if threatened.
Leaf-footed Bugs overwinter as adults, typically in aggregations located in protected areas, such as in woodpiles, barns or other buildings, palm fronds, citrus or juniper trees, under peeling bark, or in tree cracks.
It was neat to come across this cool creature!