Leaf-footed Bug – Nymphs

leaf footed bug

Q:  I noticed a clump of very bright red insects on the underside of a sage leaf. They seem to be too big to be spider mites and they seem too bright to be fire ants. Do you know what they are?

A: I believe they are the nymphs of the leaf-footed bug. This insect feeds on tomatoes, squash and okra in your garden.

The adults lay eggs in fall and the eggs hatch in mid-spring.

If you see an adult, don’t handle it. The sharp mouth part it uses to suck plant juice can pierce your skin and it will hurt!

see Bugguide

Leaf-footed Bugs

Leaf-footed Bugs in the Garden

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