May 14, 2026

I am known as an Eastern Leaf-footed bug

You know I'm me cause my white stripe is unbroken

I'm mostly considered a minor pest to crops

And can be found from Florida to Hoboken*.

*Technically Long Island, but they are close enough, and Long Island doesn't rhyme with "unbroken"

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN229

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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April 21, 2022

We are known as Eastern Leaf-footed bugs

The blue spot on the smaller of us is an aberration

It is not age or sexual dimorphism

It might be paint or just a discoloration.

Location: WW Ranch Road, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Sebastian

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/leaffooted_bug.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 30, 2021

I am an Eastern Leaf-footed Bug

You can find me north to Long Island, New York

I like to dine on crops such as oranges and plums

Which farmers hate, but it's just my days work.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/leaffooted_bug.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 7, 2019

Location: Melbourne, Hundred Acre Hollows

I am an Eastern Leaf-footed Bug
Shown here sitting on Bitter Melon
I've been known to attack citrus and pecan crops
In which case, growers send me to heaven.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Leaffooted Bug

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 3, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, Rails to Trails

I am an Eastern Leaffooted Bug
Leptoglossus phyllopus, is my scientific name
I'm a minor pest to many crops
Throughout the southern United States.

Sources: UF|IFAS Featured Creatures Leaffooted Bug


Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson