Explanation of Names
Leptoglossus phyllopus (
Linnaeus 1767)
phyllopus (G). 'leaf foot'
Identification
The straight white or pale yellow bar crossing the back is distinctive to this species (zig-zagging or broken into dots in other congeners).
Range
e. US to e.NM/w.TX (w.TX-FL-s.NY-KS) / Mex. -
Map (3)(4)(5)Food
polyphagous
(4); most common on thistle in FL, and on Yucca in KS
(6)Life Cycle
Eggs are cylindrical and are laid end to end in a line, often along the midrib of a plant leaf. Leptoglossus progress through five instars with each successive nymph becoming more similar to the reproductive adult. Leaf-like projections on hind tibiae begin developing in fourth-instar nymphs.
eggs laid in a line; first-instar nymph; second-instar nymph; third-instar nymph; fourth-instar nymph; fifth-instar nymph:
Remarks
may damage a number of crops (esp. citrus, tomatoes) and ornamentals
(7)