Leptoglossus

Guérin-Méneville, 1831

leaf-footed bugs

Species Guides

12

Leptoglossus is a of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become in multiple continents.

Leptoglossus gonagra by no rights reserved, uploaded by Prince Molokomme. Used under a CC0 license.Leptoglossus ashmeadi by (c) Raven Dandridge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raven Dandridge. Used under a CC-BY license.Leptoglossus ashmeadi by no rights reserved, uploaded by natalie. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptoglossus: /lɛptoʊˈɡlɒsəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Leptoglossus are distinguished from other Coreidae by the presence of flattened, leaflike expansions on the hind tibiae. These dilations vary in size and shape among species. The can be separated from similar leaf-footed bug genera by this specific hind leg modification combined with overall body proportions and antennal structure.

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Distribution

Native distribution spans the Americas from North America through South America. Multiple have been introduced outside native range: L. occidentalis is established in Europe (first detected Italy 1999), Asia (Japan, Turkey, Korea), and South America (Chile 2017, Argentina); L. australis occurs in Africa, Asia, and Australasia.

Host Associations

  • Pinus - feeds on seeds and developing conesprimary for L. occidentalis; causes significant seed damage and reduced germination
  • Pseudotsuga menziesii - feeds on seedsdocumented for L. occidentalis
  • Tsuga canadensis - feeds on seedsdocumented for L. occidentalis
  • Zea mays - feeds on kernelsdocumented for multiple including L. zonatus and L. phyllopus
  • Prunus dulcis - feeds on nutsL. clypealis and L. zonatus cause kernel damage in almonds
  • Cucurbita - feeds on fruitsdocumented for L. phyllopus
  • Lycopersicon esculentum - feeds on fruitsL. zonatus documented feeding on tomatoes
  • Citrus - feeds on fruitsdocumented for L. australis and L. phyllopus
  • Punica granatum - feeds on fruitsdocumented for L. zonatus
  • Carya illinoinensis - feeds on nutsdocumented for L. phyllopus

Life Cycle

L. occidentalis undergoes gradual with five nymphal instars. In Turkey, initiate -laying in early June; nymphal development occurs June–August with first- adults appearing in early August. Second generation completes nymphal development August–October, with adults present September–October. Total nymphal period averages 47 days under laboratory conditions; egg development averages 7.4 days.

Behavior

Males of L. phyllopus possess a abdominal gland that secretes a yellow-brown fluid; this gland is present only in sexually mature, sexually active males and is lost when sexual activity ceases. Males of L. australis possess enlarged hind used as weapons in male-male combat during courtship. L. occidentalis aggregates in buildings to overwinter, emerging during warm periods. When disturbed, L. occidentalis emits a pungent defensive odor from on the ventral . produces a loud, droning sound.

Ecological Role

L. zonatus and L. phyllopus engage in symbiotic associations with Burkholderia bacteria, acquired by nymphs through soil ingestion; infected individuals show increased and larger body size. The bacteria colonize the and are not transmitted vertically. Tachinid flies in the Trichopoda parasitize , detecting through cues; are deposited on the and larvae bore into the host. Egg include Anastatus bifasciatus and Ooencyrtus telenomicida (the latter first recorded on L. occidentalis in Turkey).

Human Relevance

Several are significant economic pests. L. occidentalis reduces conifer seed viability by 60–99% and causes structural damage by piercing polyethylene plumbing tubing. L. zonatus and L. clypealis damage almonds, causing nut drop and kernel . L. phyllopus affects citrus and pecan crops. L. chilensis has been reported to bite humans. L. occidentalis frequently enters buildings to overwinter, causing nuisance complaints and public alarm due to resemblance to kissing bugs (Triatominae); in Chile, 85% of submitted 'kissing bug' specimens were L. occidentalis. The species is not a .

Similar Taxa

  • TriatomaL. occidentalis frequently misidentified as kissing bugs due to similar body shape and size; distinguished by leaflike hind tibial dilations (absent in Triatoma), lack of blood-feeding mouthpart , and different antennal proportions
  • other Coreidae generaseparated by the distinctive leaflike expansions of the hind tibiae, which in Leptoglossus are more developed and specifically shaped compared to related

Misconceptions

L. occidentalis is commonly mistaken for kissing bugs (Triatominae) and feared as a of . This is incorrect: L. occidentalis is phytophagous, does not feed on blood, and does not transmit human . Public alarm in Chile and other invaded regions has led to unnecessary applications and healthcare consultations. The defensive odor produced when disturbed is sometimes interpreted as evidence of danger, but the is harmless to humans aside from rare adventitious bites reported for L. chilensis.

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