Leaf-footed bug nymph (likely Leaffooted Bug nymph)
Scientific Name: Coreidae (family, specific species not identifiable from image)
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Coreidae
Size: Nymphs can vary in size depending on their instar, but typically range from a few millimeters to over a centimeter.
Natural Habitat
Gardens, agricultural fields, orchards, and areas with their host plants (frequently fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals)
Diet & Feeding
Plant sap. They are phytophagous and use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on various parts of plants, including leaves, stems, fruits, and seeds.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs typically hatch from eggs laid in rows or clusters on host plants. They undergo several molts (instars) before reaching adulthood. They are often found on their host plants, sometimes in groups. The damage visible on the leaf is characteristic of their feeding, which can cause wilting, distortion, or brown spots on plant tissue.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include significant agricultural and garden pests, capable of damaging a wide range of crops including tomatoes, squash, beans, citrus, and pecans, leading to deformed fruits, aborted seeds, and reduced yields. There are no known direct benefits, but they are part of the larger food web.
Identified on: 9/16/2025