Taxonomy
A Leptoglossus occidentalis nymph. True bugs are hemimetabolous - they undergo an incomplete metamorphosis where their nymphs gradually change form and increase in size before becoming an adult. © Tristan Bantock
The genus Leptoglossus contains over 40 species, of which 10 are regarded as economically damaging species. One of these economically important species is Leptoglossus occidentalis.
The genus is characterised by a number of features:
- a striking pattern of lines or dots on the hemelytra, the thickened part of the wings
- leaf-like expansions on the hind-legs
- a narrow and elongated head
In North America Leptoglossus occidentalis looks very similar to Leptoglossus corculus and may be distinguished by examining the expansions on the hind-legs and the colouration of the body segments.
In the UK Leptoglossus occidentalis is easily recognisable because none of our native coreids look like it.
