Leaf-footed bug (likely a squash bug)

Vegetable gardens, especially squash, pumpkins, and other cucurbits; commonly found on leaves, stems, and fruit.

Nymphs and adults suck sap from cucurbit plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts, sometimes injecting saliva that damages tissues.

Adults overwinter in sheltered debris and become active in spring; females lay clusters of eggs on leaves, and several generations may occur annually. They often aggregate and emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed.

They can wilt plants, discolor fruit, and reduce yields, but they are not dangerous to humans and generally provide little recognized ecological benefit.