HELMETED SQUASH BUG

HELMETED SQUASH BUG

Euthochtha galeator
LEAF-FOOTED BUG FAMILY (Coreidae)

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This squash bug is one of many genera of leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae). Most have the broadened segment of their hind legs, which gives them their common family name. This particular species, verified with the help of volunteer experts at BugGuide, is about 1/2 inch long. They nymphs look radically different as seen in images 2 and 3, with spikes over their upper bodies, first light red, then much darker. The eggs are yellowish as shown image 4. These bugs suck the plant juices of various plants.

 

This bug is considered to be common and is found throughout eastern North America. The adult was photographed at Neale Woods in August.  The eggs and nymphs were found on cup rosinweed at Camp Brewster in June.

 

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