Leaf-footed bugs

Definition

A common name for the family Coreidae, a large group of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) characterized by sap-sucking mouthparts and, in many species, flattened, leaf-like expansions on the hind tibiae or femora. Most species feed on plant fluids from seeds, fruits, or stems; some are economically significant pests of crops including citrus, sorghum, and various tree nuts.

Etymology

From the expanded, leaf-shaped hind leg segments characteristic of many genera (e.g., Leptoglossus, Acanthocephala).

Example

The western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis), a leaf-footed bug native to North America, has become an invasive nuisance pest in European homes during autumn migrations.

Synonyms

• Coreidae
• squash bugs (informal, subset)

Related Terms

• true bugs
• Hemiptera
• Heteroptera
• sap-sucking
• tibial expansion
• Leptoglossus
• Squash bug

Usage Notes

Sometimes used more narrowly in field guides to refer specifically to genera with pronounced leaf-like leg modifications, excluding the closely related squash bugs (Anasa and relatives). The family Coreidae also includes leafless, cylindrical-legged forms; conversely, similar leg expansions occur in some Reduviidae (assassin bugs), so leg shape alone is not diagnostic. Specialists generally prefer 'Coreidae' for precision.