Adult leaf-footed bug. Photo by Jerry A. Payne, USDA/ARS. Source: www.bugwood.org.

Leaf-footed bug damage to rabbit-eye blueberry. Photo by Jerry A. Payne, USDA/ARS. Source: www.bugwood.org.

Facts:

• Adults emerge in spring and feed on flowers and newly forming seeds.
• Soon they mate and lay eggs on host trees.
• The eggs hatch after about 10 days, and the nymphs start feeding.
• There are five nymphal stages, called instars, before adulthood.
• Nymphs mature to the adult stage and continue to feed through the fall.
• Feeding by nymphs causes the most economic damage.
• Overwinter as adults in protected areas, including your house.
• Complete one generation per year.
  

Damage:

• Can damage larger green and ripe fruits.
• Can raise their young within fruiting clusters.
  

Scouting:

• Can be seen flying.
• Most often seen walking on windows and walls.
  

Control:

• Easy to catch because of their slow metabolism.
• Once caught, destroy them.
• Be advised, these are members of the stink bug family. If held too long or crushed, they emit a foul odor.
• Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service office for control measures specifically for your area.

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