Species Leptoglossus zonatus

Classification · Identification · Range · Food · Remarks · Internet References

Enjoying the pollen - Leptoglossus zonatus

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)

Suborder Heteroptera (True Bugs)

Family Coreidae (Leaffooted Bugs)

Genus Leptoglossus

Species zonatus (Leptoglossus zonatus)

Identification

Two yellowish spots on the forward part of the pronotum are distinctive. Also has a zigzagging white band across the wings (like some other species). Expansions of the hind tibiae are also much larger and more jagged than most other species.

Range

Primarily a southwestern species (including CA, AZ, TX) but now also spreading into southeastern states. First LA report 1990s. First FL report 2005.

Food

Feeds on flowers and fruits of many plants, including many crops such as citrus, tomatoes, and various members of the squash family.

Remarks

Considered a pest not only for the feeding damage on various crops but also as a transmitter of plant pathogens.

Internet References

Florida DPI

The Great Lakes Entomologist with a key to species of Leptoglossus

Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason on 10 June, 2006 - 1:07pm
Last updated 19 June, 2008 - 6:45am

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