Natural History

Leaf-footed Bugs are about one inch in length, and have dark gray or brown bodies with leaf-like enlargements on their hind legs. They closely resemble squash bugs, and give off an odor when handled. The bugs begin their life as eggs, which are a shiny gold color. Eggs hatch in 7-8 days. The juveniles (nymphs) are bright red and black with less prominent extensions on their hind legs. The bugs can live for over a year and the adults are good fliers.
 

Leaf-footed Bugs feed on fruits of a number of different plants, including oranges, peaches, pecans, tomatoes and especially pomegranates. They suck the juices out and may carry a bacteria which causes rotting.