Knowledgebase

Bug id #878878

Asked July 26, 2024, 11:30 AM EDT

This beauty was on my cucumber. Hoping it is beneficial.

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Thank you for your question and the terrific photo. This is a type of leaf-footed bug. Leaf-footed bugs are related to stink bugs and give off unpleasant smells when handled, but they are not dangerous in any way to humans or pets. They can, however, damage certain fruits and vegetables in a home garden, such as squash and tomatoes. If you are finding several around your cucumbers or other vegetable plants, then you may want to remove them as you see them. You can do this by picking them off affected plants and dropping them into a container of soapy water. 

Here are two links with more information about leaf-footed bugs in the garden, including more details on their feeding habits.

https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2019/11/4/leaffooted-lovers-leptoglossus-spp

https://durhammastergardeners.com/2015/06/25/whats-that-bug-leaf-footed-bugs-in-the-garden/

Thanks for keeping an eye on the insects around your garden and especially for considering which ones might be beneficial!

Christa
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 26, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
What a great common name, but bummer that this beauty wants to mess with my meager garden.  Thanks.
On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 1:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 6:35 PM EDT

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