While checking tomato plants (Central Florida) for hornworm caterpillars today, I came across three of these insects - they were moving around on one stem, not appearing to eat or do anything destructive but as I got close to them they would move to the other side or under a leaf to avoid contact. The are approximately 3/4" in length.
Anyone?
a Leaf-footed Bug nymph...note the "leafs" on the hind legs.
Thanks - They will be dealt with tomorrow...
We had a big problem w that kind of bug last year.
These photos were taken in my garden plot at Kinder Farm Park, about 10 miles from my house.
Is this the same bug? I live south of Houston and we have never seen these before. I found them on my hibiscus yesterday but they are on one branch only. And there are hundreds if not more. It doesn't look like they have done any damage so far. If they are destructive, what do I need to do?
Destroy those while they are still orange is possible - they are hard, very hard, to control when adults.
Had one colony early in the year -crushed every one - sprayed all tomatoes with Murphy's Oil Soap solution - have not had a reinfestation - yippie.
I have fought them for the last several years in the Houston area.
The bird bath was the first and biggest help - it stays busy all day - the Mocking birds do enjoy a ripe tomato, so have to pull at first blush, but think they are helping with the insect population, big time.
