Bug Identifier
Thread-legged bug (likely a stilt bug)
Community identification

Thread-legged bug (likely a stilt bug)

Berytidae, likely *Metacanthus* sp.

Order & Family
Hemiptera; family Berytidae
Size
Usually 5–10 mm long, with extremely slender legs and antennae.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Vegetation, grasses, weeds, and garden plants; adults may wander onto walls and buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Plant-feeding; piercing-sucking mouthparts extract juices from stems, leaves, seeds, and flowers.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving and cryptically colored, often remaining motionless on exposed surfaces. Most species pass through several nymphal stages and overwinter in plant debris.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people and pets, and usually causes little plant damage. It is part of garden food webs, though some species may occasionally become minor plant pests.