Western leaf footed bug

Western leaf footed bug

Image: Natasha Wright, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org 5203057

  • Three species are of concern: the leaf footed bug (Leptoglossus clypealis), the western conifer seed bug (L. occidentalis) and the western leaf footed bug (L. zonatus)
  • All three species are similar in appearance and cause similar damage
  • Adult leaf footed bugs are approximately 19-25 mm long, brown coloured with a white band across their back. The hind legs have a widened area that resembles a leaf, giving these bugs their name
  • Eggs are brown coloured, rectangular and laid in a row on the leaves, fruit and nuts of the host plant.
  • Can spread on plant material. The adults are also capable of flight allowing for localised spread
  • The leaf footed bug (L. clypealis) is currently found in the southwestern United States. The western conifer seed bug (L. occidentalis) is found in Europe and North America (from Canada to Mexico). The western Leaf footed bug (L. zonatus) is found in from the southwestern United States to the northern half of South America.

High priority pest of: almonds, pistachios

Scientific name: Leptoglossus zonatus
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Stink bugs, aphids, mealybugs, scale, whiteflies & hoppers (HEMIPTERA)

Pest Documents

FS: fact sheet

CP: contingency plan

DP: diagnostic protocol