What Is This #AZCritter? Leaf-Footed Bug

By Arizona Science Desk
Published: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 9:15am
Updated: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 5:11pm
(Photo by Carol Harvey | Graphic by Ambar Favela)
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What Is This #AZCritter? is a new digital series from the Arizona Science Desk that wants to help you identify and learn more about interesting Arizona animals.

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What Is This #AZCritter?

Barbara Trejo sent us a photo of this bug she spotted it on her windshield.

What Is It?

This is a leaf-footed bug. We asked Andy Baldwin, chairman of life science at Mesa Community College, to tell us more about the odd-looking insect.

Where Do They Live?

“Different species of plants hosts different species of leaf-footed bugs,” Baldwin said. “In fact, some have common names like mesquite bugs, cactus bugs and squash bugs. But all live and feed on plants."

Leaf-footed bugs belong to the insect family Coreidae, which contains well over 1,500 species worldwide, Baldwin said.

“These bugs have been given their common name due to the flattened area on their hind leg that somewhat resembles a leaf,” he said.

Are They Dangerous?

“Absolutely not ... unless you are a newly budding fruit or leaf," said Baldwin.

Different species feed on different plants with their long straw-like proboscis and all are harmless to humans.

If you ever catch one in your hand however, you will likely be left with a strong foul-smelling stench that will discourage you from catching another one (which is the idea), Baldwin said.

Science